NEW YORK – Sean Avery didn’t talk the media last night, either before or after the Stars 2-1 win at the Garden. He said he was going to take his team out to a New York dinner, “while they still like” him.

Henrik Lundqvist, though, got an earful just 25 seconds into the game as the Rangers former agitator reintroduced himself to the goalie.

“It was nothing I want printed in the paper,” Lundqvist said when asked about what was said. Avery was pushed away by Brandon Dubinsky, and became a non factor in the game, registering 17 shifts and 13:55 of ice time. The “Grate One” played it smart and didn’t cause any major havoc out on the ice.

“He’s a good hockey player,” coach Tom Renney said. “He came here on a business trip, basically. Their team won the game, so I think that translates to a successful contribution.”

Maybe the Rangers need some more of that from their own team, because after Markus Naslund scored just 55 seconds into the game, the Rangers fell asleep and couldn’t muster anything against a Dallas team, which game the Blueshirts its chances.

It came from all lines with Chris Drury still invisible and the Dubinsky line not being able to provide the scoring punch like it did early on in the year.

“We were stupid,” Renney said. “When you’ve got a one-on-four, you chip pucks in behind and go hunt them down. It’s not a case of one guy trying to beat four people.”

And because they couldn’t solve Marty Turco, who had 28 saves on the night, Dallas was able to capitalize to tie the game in the second and ultimately take the lead in the third.

First, Stars captain Brenden Morrow tied the match at 5:28 of the second on the power play, to push the Rangers back and then Mike Modano scored the winner at 8:03 of the third after Dan Girardi cleared the puck to the Dallas Star.

“The puck went straight to that guy, probably the worst guy to get it to,” Lundqvist said. “He waited, dragged it, got the screen and he just placed it up there.”

It was enough for a win at the Garden and a triumphant return for Avery.

Speaking of Avery, he was tracked down by the MSG network after the game and he took some parting shots. Both Dubinsky and Stephen Valiquette were critical of the former Rangers. Avery praised the young center, but said of the backup netminder, “He’s a minor-leaguer and he’s got to get noticed, so what better way than to talk about me?”

It’s nice to know he never changes.

Notes: Naslund’s goal was his second of the season…Lundqvist’s twin brother Joel played for the Stars last night registering 10:11 of ice time.