Shaved Ice – June 6

Happy…Thursday.

How about those Grand Rapids Griffins? The Red Wings’ AHL affiliate has done it again, finding a way to advance to the next round of the AHL playoffs. But this time, they’re heading to the finals for the first time in franchise history. The Griffins eliminated the Oklahoma City Barons by a score of 5-4 last night, with the guy pictured below getting the game-winner. Click on the image to read our game recap from Van Andel Arena.

Both of the Griffins’ Michigan connections – Luke Glendening and Chad Billins – had a pair of helpers in the contest, making them our Michi-gamers of the night.

Mark your calendars – Game 1 of the AHL Finals between the Griffins and the Syracuse Crunch will take place on Saturday, with puck drop scheduled for 7 p.m. in New York. Here’s the full schedule:

Game 1 – Sat., June 8 – Grand Rapids at Syracuse, 7:00
Game 2 – Sun., June 9 – Grand Rapids at Syracuse, 6:00
Game 3 – Wed., June 12 – Syracuse at Grand Rapids, 7:00 
Game 4 – Fri., June 14 – Syracuse at Grand Rapids, 7:00 
*Game 5 – Sat., June 15 – Syracuse at Grand Rapids, 7:00
*Game 6 – Tue., June 18 – Grand Rapids at Syracuse, 7:00
*Game 7 – Thu., June 20 – Grand Rapids at Syracuse, 7:00

In other news, USA Hockey announced the 40 players (no goalies yet) who will be invited to their World Junior evaluation camp. Plenty of Michigan connections are featured, click here to see them.

Here we go…Griffins’ Game 7 highlights.

It took quite a while – the game went into double OT – but the Bruins ended up picking up a 2-1 win over the Penguins last night in Boston. That means that Boston holds a commanding 3-0 series lead with a chance to sweep one of the most popular picks to win it all this season. Ferris State alum Chris Kunitz had the lone goal for the Penguins, by the way.

Tonight, the Blackhawks and Kings get back it, with Game 4 taking place in Hollywood. The Blackhawks hold a 2-1 series lead, but they will have to play without standout defenseman Duncan Keith. The former MSU defenseman will have to serve a one-game suspension after slashing Jeff Carter in the face.

Blues forward Andy McDonald, 35, is retiring due to the lingering effects of concussions he sustained during his playing days.

Plymouth Whalers alum Gregory Campbell shows why hockey players are the toughest athletes in the world right here. Turns out, he has a broken right fibula.

We’ll see you later today.