NEW YORK — Sean Avery's season is already over. The rest of the New York Rangers are hoping to avoid the same fate with a comeback of epic proportions.

The agitating Avery spent Wednesday in the hospital after a lacerated spleen suffered in Tuesday night's loss to the Pittsburgh Penguins put an early end to his season and created worry that his life was in danger.

News of Avery's hospitalization caused quite a stir Wednesday, following a report that the 28-year-old forward had suffered a cardiac arrest and was not breathing when he arrived at the hospital.

"The first time I saw the news, it was really concerning," said Detroit Red Wings captain Nicklas Lidstrom, Avery's former teammate. "I heard cardiac arrest. We got (to practice) and heard ruptured spleen. It's still a severe injury, but sounded a lot worse."

Still, the Rangers will be without Avery as they try to avoid elimination tonight at Madison Square Garden, stuck in a 3-0 series hole against Pittsburgh. He is expected to remain hospitalized for a few days, team spokesman John Rosasco said

Avery was injured during Tuesday night's 5-3 loss from a hit, possibly in the first period, but kept playing despite worsening pain.

He took seven shifts in the first period, five in the second, and seven in the third. He spent 4 minutes, 58 seconds on the ice in the final frame — only 10 seconds fewer than the first.

Rosasco said Avery was evaluated at the arena, then rode in a car with team physician Dr. Andrew Feldman to St. Vincent's Medical Center and walked in shortly after the game.

A CT scan revealed the lacerated spleen, the team said, and it didn't require surgery. Rosasco said Avery is expected to make a full recovery.

The spleen is an organ about the size of a fist on the left side of the body, behind the stomach. It helps the body fight infection and filters the blood. A person can live without a spleen, although they lose some of their ability to fight infections.

"He was never in a life-threatening situation," Rosasco said.

The Daily News first reported Avery had been hospitalized, quoting sources who said he was rushed to St. Vincent's in cardiac arrest and not breathing around 3 a.m.

"Not true," Rangers coach Tom Renney said after practice. "Our medical people were quick to react to that and did a great job. On my way home I knew that he was on his way to the hospital, and I got home before 3 a.m."

Avery's mother, Marlene, told the Toronto Sun that Avery's spleen had not ruptured, but he had internal bleeding. Hospital spokesman Michael Fagan said Avery was in "stable" condition.

Although the Rangers know they will be without Avery as they try to extend their season, the status of centers Chris Drury and Blair Betts was unclear. Renney said Betts might have facial fractures after he was struck while blocking a shot in the second period.

Drury was hampered by a torso injury that also occurred in the middle frame.

"We'll see how they're doing (Thursday) morning as to whether or not they can participate," Renney said.

Only two teams in NHL history have won a series after trailing 3-0 — the 1942 Toronto Maple Leafs, and the 1975 New York Islanders.

The Boston Red Sox won the 2004 AL championship series after falling behind the New York Yankees 3-0 in baseball's greatest postseason comeback. No NBA team has accomplished the feat.

"Outside this room I don't think there is many people who think we can turn it around," captain Jaromir Jagr said. "But what's important is that I think we do. I think because we have nothing to lose, it makes us a very dangerous team."

Avery will be missed by the Rangers, 33-14-10 with him this season and 9-13-3 when he was out with injuries. He was acquired from the Los Angeles Kings in February 2007 and sparked the team's playoff run in which the Rangers went 17-6-6 in games he played.

"It's a tough loss to lose him, but we've got a lot of guys in here. Guys have to step up, and we have to concentrate on the next game," forward Ryan Callahan said

"On the ice, things always happen," Penguins captain Sidney Crosby said. "It's emotional and intense. Guys are not the best of friends on the ice, but you never want to see someone's health in jeopardy. I think we all wish him the best.

"He's a guy who brings a lot of emotion to his team. I think we are a good example, we learned from when we lost some guys that other guys step up. When you lose guys you push harder to be better. So I don't think any of us will take that for granted."