Bearded Ice – May 8

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

How awesome was that tweet from the L.A. Kings? More on that later…

Quick hits

The U.S. team had their first setback at the World Championship, falling to Slovakia 4-2 yesterday. Jim Slater assisted on Justin Faulk’s goal, while Max Pacioretty and Cam Fowler set up Paul Stastny for the other U.S. tally, but it wasn’t enough for the American squad. Jimmy Howard stopped 28 shots in a game where the U.S. was out-shot 32-20.

The IIHF has Team USA at No. 3 in their power rankings.

Highlight reel

You never know what you can find on YouTube.

Outside the Mitten

Carl Hagelin is our Michi-gamer of the night. Find out more by clicking on that previous link.

The Western Conference finals will feature the Kings and the Coyotes. Phoenix continued their dominance of the Predators, picking up a Game 5 series-clinching win last night.

In other Phoenix news, it sounds like they might finally have a buyer. However, it’s understandable on why you said “prove it” when you read that previous sentence. Here’s the details; hopefully it’s more than just tentative.

In the Eastern Conference, the Rangers topped the Caps 3-2 in overtime to take control of their series. New York will have an opportunity to finish off Washington on Wednesday.

Tonight the Devils can knock the Flyers out of the playoffs. I don’t think the series will end that fast, however.

Check it out

Helene St. James of the Free Press says Nashville’s struggles might help the Wings land Ryan Suter.

Next up

More hockey tomorrow, everybody. Have a great day.