There are all kinds of sightings and sayings to indicate that spring has arrived. For me, the true sign is when playoff beards start sprouting.
The playoff beard, a superstitious practice, largely restricted to National Hockey League (NHL) players where a player does not shave during a run for the ultimate prize - the Stanley Cup - is now a right of passage in the NHL. Almost all players stop shaving when their team enters the playoffs and does not shave until said team is eliminated or wins the Stanley Cup. It is believed that the tradition was started in the 80's by the New York Islanders with Butch Goring, Billy Smith and the boys.
The Stanley Cup Finals are set to begin on Monday and it is time to examine the best beards of 2006.
Total Hair Award
The team award goes to the Edmonton Oilers, hands down. Pisani, Torres, Smith, Smyth, etc look like they are ready to head to a Toby Keith concert with a couple of Jack and Cokes.
Final Four
Western Conference Glory
Anaheim Ducks and the best Salt and Pepper.
Oilers Shaggy Duo - A beard and a musty
Eastern Conference Scruff
Carolina Hurricanes and the Best Greg DeVries Impersonation
Buffalo Sabre or Woolly Mammoth
The playoff beard, a superstitious practice, largely restricted to National Hockey League (NHL) players where a player does not shave during a run for the ultimate prize - the Stanley Cup - is now a right of passage in the NHL. Almost all players stop shaving when their team enters the playoffs and does not shave until said team is eliminated or wins the Stanley Cup. It is believed that the tradition was started in the 80's by the New York Islanders with Butch Goring, Billy Smith and the boys.
The Stanley Cup Finals are set to begin on Monday and it is time to examine the best beards of 2006.
Total Hair Award
The team award goes to the Edmonton Oilers, hands down. Pisani, Torres, Smith, Smyth, etc look like they are ready to head to a Toby Keith concert with a couple of Jack and Cokes.
Final Four
Western Conference Glory
Anaheim Ducks and the best Salt and Pepper.
Oilers Shaggy Duo - A beard and a musty
Eastern Conference Scruff
Carolina Hurricanes and the Best Greg DeVries Impersonation
Buffalo Sabre or Woolly Mammoth
