Shaved Ice – April 9

This Monday is a little bit more bearable when you consider that the NHL playoffs start on Wednesday.

Quick hits

Red Wings vs. Predators. With their shootout loss to Chicago on Saturday, the Wings ended up securing the one point they needed to earn fifth place in the Western Conference, and a match-up with their division rivals.

Talk in the locker room after the game centered around the fact that the Red Wings avoided having to travel to the west coast in the first round; however, Detroit will be taking on a very physical Nashville squad with added offensive punch. Will Alexander Radulov’s return – plus the addition of Paul Gaustad – be the firepower the gritty Predators need to finally make their mark in the playoffs? The Red Wings will be the first team to find out.

We’ll have some predictions for you closer to Wednesday night’s puck drop.

Congrats once again to the Ferris State Bulldogs. While they may have lost in the NCAA title game to Boston College, it was a remarkable run for the school in Big Rapids. Coach Bob Daniels and his players have put the Bulldogs firmly on college hockey’s map, and we’re looking forward to seeing what they can do moving forward.

Highlight reel

NHL Network talks Wings/Predators.

Outside the Mitten

Michigan native Jim Slater finished his season on a high note, making him our Michi-gamer of the weekend.

Here’s the full NHL playoff schedule for the first round. Spoiler alert – the Wings share the first few nights with Pittsburgh vs. Philadelphia and Vancouver vs. Los Angeles.

The Sporting News breaks down the Western Conference playoff match-ups.

Check it out

Craig Custance gives a lengthy breakdown of the Wings vs. Predators series for ESPN.com.

Next up

More hockey tomorrow as we anxiously await the start of the 2012 NHL Playoffs.