Bearded Ice – May 11

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

Quick Hits

Two goals from Minnesota native Justin Faulk – one in OT – powered Team USA to a 3-2 win over Kazakhstan today. The Americans have now won four of their first five games. Justin Abdelkader and Max Pacioretty had assists in the win.

The Muskegon Lumberjacks announced that coach Jim McKenzie has received a two-year extension.

National Team Development Program forward and Ann Arbor native Andrew Copp just committed to the University of Michigan.

Meanwhile, Michigan State received a commitment from David Bondra, the son of the former NHL star.

Highlight reel

Faulk, Pacioretty, and goaltender Richard Bachman (he stopped 17 shots to get the win) talk about Team USA’s latest victory.

Outside the Mitten

We went out to Las Vegas to find our Michi-gamer for today. And what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas, unless you’re Livonia native Adam Miller.

Game 7 tomorrow – it all comes down to 60 minutes (or more) between the Rangers and Capitals. Who do you think will prevail? My money’s on New York, but I haven’t been the sharpest tool in the shed when it comes to predicting NHL postseason games this spring.

Check it out

Our guy Darren Eliot wrote two “Special DEliveries” this week…check them out here and here. DE writes about the sacrifices being made in these playoffs (crucial shot blocks and physical play), and how stressful first-round series caught up with the Predators and Flyers in their second-round match-ups.

Next up

Enjoy the weekend, see you Monday.