Bearded Ice – April 23

And the season comes to a close for the Detroit Red Wings…

Quick hits

It was a rough Friday night for the Hockeytown faithful. Once again, the Red Wings couldn’t find a way through Pekka Rinne and the Nashville defense, and lost 2-1. Detroit native David Legwand had the series-clinching goal for the Predators. With the loss, Detroit was eliminated from the playoffs, the first time they were knocked out in the first round since 2006. The Wings were only able to record nine goals in the five-game series with the Predators.

Now, it’s time for a type of summer the Wings haven’t experienced in a long time. Falling in a less-than-impressive fashion to a team that they have long dominated should signal that it’s time for changes in Hockeytown. Ken Holland will have some work to do, some decisions to make. Here’s Darren Eliot’s take on the situation, and what the Wings might be looking at doing this off-season.

Highlight reel

Here’s the official Red Wings TV video saying thanks to the Hockeytown faithful.

Outside the Mitten

After a huge game in Washington, Tyler Seguin is our Michi-gamer of the weekend. The former Whalers star made sure the series between the Bruins and Capitals will feature a Game 7 in Boston on Wednesday night.

With an OT goal from Jarret Stoll, the Kings finished off their series upset against top-seeded Vancouver.

St. Louis wrapped up their series against the Sharks in five games after a 3-1 win on Saturday. The Sharks, just like the Wings, might be looking at an interesting summer; San Jose has long been considered a contender, with nothing to show for it.

And in news that is sure to make a lot of people around here happy, the Flyers finished off the Penguins Sunday afternoon, punching their ticket to the second round with a 5-1 win.

Check it out

Darren Eliot discusses the league’s approach to suspensions and punishments in a playoff season that has seen plenty of questionable plays.

Next up

More hockey talk tomorrow.