Playoff beard

[Raeanne Dimick]

The hairy result of a superstition turned tradition in the National Hockey League (NHL) by which players of a given team refuse to shave their beards upon making it to the [Stanley Cup Playoffs]. In recent years, this tradition has extended from players to fans, making an unkempt beard during playoff season acceptably insofar as ones team of choice is still working toward Lord [Stanleys] Cup. The beard can only be shaven off under two conditions: (1) The team of choice has won Lord Stanleys Cup and [hoist] it high as the National Champions; (2) The team of choice has lost the playoffs and must shave themselves to begin preparing for next season.