Beardos rule the post-season
Facial-hair solidarity a hockey custom
NEWARK, N.J. –DustinPenner has the mountain man look. Ryan Carter is working a Three Musketeers-look moustache. And Zach Parise’s face is smooth as a baby’s bum.
The playoff facial hair is all over the map at this Stanley Cup.
Playoff beards are still in, however, and King behemoth Penner leads the way.
“Not many guys can grow beard around their eyes,” said Kings defenceman Rob Scuderi.
“He’s a pretty hairy guy all over,” added L.A. forward Jeff Carter.
“It didn’t take him long to start filling his out.”
The facial-hair solidarity in the post-season is a tradition.
“It’s something to build around,” said Devils forward Ryan Carter. “It’s just another one of those things that reminds you of where you’re at.”
Added teammate Steve Bernier: “I started first game of the playoffs and I’ve been growing it ever since.
“That was the goal, to go as long as possible.”
The size of the beard does not necessarily denote playoff success, however. Some players just grow facial hair faster than others.
And some don’t really grow it at all.
Ryan Carter, for example, opted for a small but stylish moustache rather than the beard.
“The decision is genetic, actually. I don’t know if I have a choice to grow the playoff beard,” he explained. “I don’t have really a playoff moustache either, but it’s what I’ve got and what I’m wearing.”
He points to defenceman Andy Greene and forward Eric Boulton as having the best beards on a Devils lineup that is not allowed facial hair during the regular season under club rules.
“Andy Greene’s got a thick beard. His looks best though, because he’s got a little less hair on top than he does on his chin.”
Greene breaks into a proud smile and then returns Carter’s compliment.
“I think he’s got the best moustache in the league going right now,” he said. “You’ve got to respect that thing. It’s nice.”