Bearded Ice – April 12
Figured since everybody throws away their razors this time of year that we needed a temporary name change for the blog…
Quick hits
Bad bounces and a whole bunch-a penalties were the themes of the Red Wings’ series-opener in Nashville last night. Detroit lost 3-2 to start their playoff campaign in an early hole. However, as the old hockey adage goes, as long as you split on the road, you’re doing just fine. That means that Game 2 will help the Red Wings with the decision of whether they will be golfing or advancing to the next round in the upcoming weeks.
Today’s talk should also be centered around the ‘activities’ at the end of the contest – a.k.a. Shea Weber’s headshots on Henrik Zetterberg. In the closing moments of the contest, video replay clearly shows Weber punching Zetterberg in the back of the head, then shoving his face into the glass. Here’s video of it, along with Jeremy Roenick commentary. In my opinion, the play merits disciplinary action from the league, because there appears to be an intent to injure on the play. We’ll see how Brendan Shanahan handles the situation.
Darren Helm, who was cut by Alexander Radulov’s skate during a collision in the first period last night, is out for the remainder of the playoffs, according to the Red Wings’ press release. The Wings forward, just returning from a leg injury, was taken to a local hospital after playing for just 3:08 to repair lacerated tendons in his right forearm.
Congrats to Marysville native and former Ferris State captain Chad Billins for signing an amateur try-out deal with the Grand Rapids Griffins.
Highlight reel
Instead of showing the Red Wings’ highlights, let’s watch this instead…a video to keep that playoff rush from last night going into this morning.
Outside the Mitten
Ryan Kesler is our Michi-gamer of the night after picking up two helpers in the Canucks’ loss to the Kings. Los Angeles pulled off the upset in Game 1 to take the early lead in the series.
The Penguins built a 3-0 lead in their first game against the Flyers, only to watch it slip away. Jakub Voracek scored the winner in OT to complete the comeback for Philly.
The New York vs. Ottawa, Boston vs. Washington, St. Louis vs. San Jose, and Phoenix vs. Chicago series all start today. See our picks for every NHL playoff series right here.
Cam Fowler, Jeff Petry, Nathan Gerbe, and Jim Slater are some Michigan natives that will represent Team USA in the World Championships.
Check it out
Check out this awesome video of a Michigan resident picking up hockey at 65 years young.
Next up
More hockey talk tomorrow.