Bearded Ice – April 30

Bearded Ice, Shaved Ice meets the NHL playoff tradition of not shaving.

Welcome back to the work week…

Quick hits

Let’s start today’s post off with a look at how one of our remaining Michigan representatives fared in the NHL playoffs last weekend.

We named Grand Ledge’s Matt Greene Michi-gamer of the weekend after the defenseman scored the game-winner for the Kings Saturday night. Click on the previous link (or this one) to read more about what the National Team Development Program grad did to help the Kings to an early series lead.

Some of the Michigan-born/trained players who aren’t still competing for the Stanley Cup will be playing for their country in May instead. The following is a list of Michigan connections who will play for Team USA in the World Championships (the roster isn’t finalized just yet):

  • Jimmy Howard
  • Cam Fowler
  • Jack Johnson
  • Jeff Petry
  • Justin Abdelkader
  • Patrick Dwyer
  • Max Pacioretty
  • Jim Slater

The U.S. opens the international tournament on Friday, in a game with France. If you really want to wake up for it, the game starts at 5:15 a.m. ET. Have fun.

Former MSU Spartan John-Michael Liles was one of three players nominated for the NHL’s Foundation Award today. See more right here.

And in case you missed it, here’s our recap on the Whalers’ and Spirit’s 2012 draft classes.

 

Highlight reel

Here’s a video of the Wolverines talking about their stickhandling moves.

Outside the Mitten

The Capitals look to even their series with the Rangers tonight (7:30 p.m. ET, NBC Sports Network).

And roughly two hours later, the Kings look to stretch their lead to two games against the Blues (9:00 p.m. ET, NBC Sports Network).

Former Red Wings assistant coach Paul MacLean – now the bench boss for Ottawa – is one of three coaches nominated for the Jack Adams Award.

Check it out

The Wings are in danger of not picking up any NHL awards this year, writes Helene St. James of the Detroit Free Press.

Next up

What to write about tomorrow…