Shaved Ice – Dec. 22

That much closer to Christmas…

Quick hits

The Wings took on the defending Western Conference champs last night all the way out in Vancouver. The Canucks’ three-goal first period was too much for the Wings to overcome, and they eventually lost to a Vancouver team who have now won 12 of their last 15 games. Todd Bertuzzi and Drew Miller scored for the Wings.

Miller’s goal made him our Michi-gamer of the night – his second time this week.

Tempers flared late in the game, with Livonia native Ryan Kesler challenging Niklas Kronwall to a fight after Kronwall collided with him in a classic ‘Kronwalled’ hit during the second period. The Wings’ defenseman didn’t respond to the invitation, and Kesler received a roughing penalty.

Highlight reel

Here’s the hit that Kronwall delivered on Kesler. Is it a dirty hit?

Outside the Mitten

Brandon Saad had five points to lead Team USA to a 7-3 win over Switzerland in a World Juniors tune-up match.

Sharks forward Martin Havlat will be out for ‘an extended time’ after surgery on a torn hamstring.

Justin Bieber skated with the Leafs (now we’ve reached out Bieber maximum for this blog).

Check it out

Darren Eliot has a suggestion on how to limit head shots. Read his latest ‘Special DElivery’ on MiHockeyNow.

Next up

See you tomorrow morning for some more hockey talk.