Put the razor down, put the can of shaving cream back in the cabinet and step away from the mirror.  This playoff beard is growing and it is not annoyingly itching thank goodness.  That might be a omen.  As the Red Wings are playing with purpose and the NHL playoff upset bug has bitten the Flyers and the Stars.  So how did this tradition start?  I could post a picture of lumberjacks and rich timber owners of the Canadian forests of the mid nineteenth century.  Hockey has developed a strict tradition and ritual.  My ritual is a beard, and lots of food, two bottles of beer and Van Halen and Rush are played two hours before every game.  Red Wings fans do not shave the playoff beards yet.  Save that for after Steve Yzerman has lifted the "Grail."

So fans keep the beards and keep the faith.  Playoff beards and the Winged Wheel go together like Ginger and ale.  Beards can be turnoffs to employers and some women.  Explain that "Hockeytown" is heading to a Cup parade and be excited that your girlfriends are watching the Wings with you.  The more the merrier.  And when it comes time to shave there will be some red and white confetti to clean up on Woodward Avenue in downtown Detroit.