Bearded Ice – May 23

MiHockey writer Stefan Kubus here to talk some hockey with you on this Wednesday morning.

Quick Hits

Trenton native Tony Calderone was chosen first overall by the Sioux Falls Stampede in the USHL Draft yesterday. Calderone headlined a solid list of Michigan talent selected in the draft.

Matt Greene and Alec Martinez of L.A. were our well-deserved Michi-gamers of the night for helping the Kings reach the Stanley Cup Finals for the first time since 1993.

Austin Watson (Ann Arbor) was named first star of the game in the London Knights’ 4-1 victory over the Edmonton Oil Kings to secure a place in the Memorial Cup semifinals. Watson capped off the win with an empty-netter, and was a team-best plus-two.

Highlight Reel

In case you missed the action, here’s highlights from the Kings/Coyotes deciding Game 5. Notice that captain Dustin Brown doesn’t touch the Clarence S. Campbell Bowl at the end. The last time the Kings were in the finals, captain Wayne Gretzky did, and they ended up losing in 5 games.

Outside the Mitten

Well, just when you may have thought the Phoenix Coyotes gained some life back with a Game 4 victory on the road to avoid the sweep, the Los Angeles Kings crushed those hopes. The Kings defeated the Coyotes, 4-3, in heartbreaking overtime fashion last night, courtesy of Dustin Penner.

The Rangers and Devils head back to New York for Game 5 of the Eastern Conference Finals tonight. Both teams are tied at two aside.

Check it out

The Los Angeles Kings likely want to forget the last time they reached the Stanley Cup Finals. A Marty McSorley illegal stick seemingly cost them the Cup.

Next up

If the Saint John Sea Dogs defeat the host Shawinigan Cataractes in today’s Memorial Cup round-robin game, then Watson and the London Knights will advance directly to the Memorial Cup Championship with a 2-1 record. Puck drop for the Sea Dogs/Cataractes game is set for 7pm.

The Rangers and Devils head back to New York for Game 5 of the Eastern Conference Finals tonight at 8pm. Both teams are tied at two aside.

Enjoy the hockey, and you stay classy Michigan!