Bearded Ice – April 17

Red Wings vs. Predators, Game 4. Puck drops in just a few hours. Who’s excited? We saved Bearded Ice for this afternoon so it could serve as a little ‘game preview’ for you all.

Quick hits

It’s the most important game of the year for the Red Wings. Lose, and they fall into a gigantic 3-1 series hole. Win, and it’s all tied up with three games to go.

Rumors were swirling online that Todd Bertuzzi physically removed a ping-pong table from the Predators yesterday, telling them to find their own table, but apparently that was a bit of an exaggeration. Either way, the ping-pong table incident could be one of those moments Red Wings fans look back on if this series turns around in their favor.

Need a refresher on what happened in Game 3? We’ve got you covered, complete with a photo gallery.

The Whalers take on the Kitchener Rangers tonight in a Game 7 tilt. We’ll be there to bring you the outcome of the game.

Congrats to Spirit coach Greg Gilbert, who was named OHL Coach of the Year today.

Highlight reel

Get fired up for the game tonight by viewing the pre-game show at Joe Louis Arena for Game 3.

Outside the Mitten

Brian Rolston is our Michi-gamer of the night, after the Flint native played a big role in the Bruins’ win yesterday.

Andrew Shaw of the Blackhawks got a three-game suspension for hitting Phoenix goaltender Mike Smith.

Check it out

Some familiar names cracked the INCH All-American team. See who right here.

Next up

Wings and Whalers coverage tonight and tomorrow morning. Stay tuned to MiHockey.