Bearded Ice – May 1

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

The Michigan reps on the U.S. National Team are off to a strong start…

Quick hits

Team USA took on Sweden in an exhibition match-up today, as they continue to prepare for the upcoming IIHF Men’s World Championship. So far, so good for Team USA; they beat the Swedes 3-2. Lapeer native and former Michigan State Spartan Jim Slater had a goal and an assist for the Red, White and Blue, while Red Wings goaltender Jimmy Howard was a perfect 25-of-25 on the shots he faced in the contest (he didn’t play the full 60 minutes). The U.S. opens tournament play Friday against France at 5:15 a.m. ET.

The Whalers are already reloading for next season; NTDP forward Ryan Hartman has decided to take his talents down M-14 to Compuware Arena next season. Hartman, who finished second in scoring on the 17U team in Ann Arbor, was a Miami University commit before deciding on the junior route.

Highlight reel

Here’s one for all the goalies out there…

Outside the Mitten

Caledonia native Mike Knuble is our Michi-gamer of the night. Find out why right here. By the way, his Capitals squad beat the Rangers 3-2 to even their series. And while he might have had the game-winning goal, Alex Ovechkin is not impressing the Washington coaching staff, judging by his lack of ice-time.

Anze Kopitar had two goals to power the Kings to a 5-2 win over St. Louis, and a two-game lead in their series.

The Devils will be without superstar Ilya Kovalchuk tonight when they take on the Flyers in Game 2 of their series. Philly won Game 1, 4-3 in OT.

Check it out

Who doesn’t like to see celebrities at hockey games? Check out this Sports Illustrated photo gallery.

Next up

It’ll be a surprise.