The Battle of the Beards

The NHL Stanley Cup Finals begin tonight between the New York Rangers and Los Angeles Kings. The quest for the Cup is unlike any other sporting event. Fans can expect to see passion, excitement, and yes, some heavy duty playoff beards.

A playoff beard is the superstitious practice of a hockey player not shaving his beard during the playoffs. The tradition started in the 1980s by the New York Islanders. Hockey players stop shaving when their team enters the playoffs. Players do not shave until their team is either eliminated or wins the Stanley Cup®.

In honor of the Stanley Cup Finals, Hagar the Horrible picks his favorite playoff beards from the 2014 NHL Stanley Cup Playoff series.

 

 

May the best bearded team win!