10 Epic Stanley Cup Playoff Beards
Nothing looks tougher than an extremely-bearded hockey player
Not every man can grow facial hair and not every hockey player gets close to the Stanley Cup. When an athlete does both, we get to witness the wonder that is the playoff beard. According to legend, the playoff beard tradition sprouted from the chins of the New York Islanders in the 1980s, when the team won 19 straight playoff series and four Stanley Cups.
The idea caught on with other superstitious players hoping to see their facial hair reflected back at them in the silver chalice. To celebrate the start of the hairiest time of the year, we rounded up some of the all-time best hockey scruff. (Need some help working on your own? Just follow these steps.)
Lanny McDonald
Look at that joy—and look at that course strawberry blonde beard on the Calgary Flame player back in 1989. When not growing out the full look for good luck, McDonald sported the fluffiest walrus moustache north of the Niagara Falls.
Greg Zanon
How convenient that his facial hair and Colorado Avalanche colors match so well?
Joe Thornton
The white streak in the San Jose center’s beard makes him look like a young Gandalf on ice.
Mike Commodore
We aren’t entirely sure how this Carolina Hurricanes player fits a helmet over that orange fro, but we respect the dedication to the overall look.
Bill Flett
Cowboy Bill Flett used to wear cowboy boots with blades fitted into the bottoms to alumni games and spurs on his skates when playing in hockey charity games. He also obviously appreciated a good glamour shot and a beard worthy of the wild, wild West.
Brent Burns
The San Jose Sharks star has a full beard, shaved sides, and a man bun—a bewildering combination that would make us reach out and make sure it's real, too.
Scott Hartnell
Hartnell's look is cool, but he might want to follow these tips to fix a sweaty and itchy beard.
Sergei Babariko
Santa? Is that you?
Ken Morrow
One of the New York Islander greats in the ‘80s, the 205-pound defenseman is a hall of famer and playoff beard trendsetter.
Jaromir Jagr
Good beard. Bad luck.
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