The only sure thing about the NHL Playoffs: The Beards! It's been a traditional set in the blood of all hockey players, right when the weather gets nicer and spring's in full bloom, the beards start growing. Over the years the beard has become anonymous with champions, and the fans may be the leading force. However right now i'm gonna discuss a battle that first took wage in the spring of 2007.
The 1st round pick in the 2007 draft had been awarded to the Chicago Blackhawks, suprisingly after the Philadelphia Flyers finished last in the league. But this gave Chicago a chance to snag up a top scorer of the OHL, in the London Knight's Patrick Kane. The Flyers had the 2nd overall pick and they took close to home prospect James Van Riemsdyk, Middleton New Jersey native.
Kane made the intial jump to the NHL directly after being drafted and was an immediate impact. This no doubt fired up the Flyers to get their gem, JVR, into the league ASAP. However Van Riemsdyk decided to hold on and spend two seasons at UNH.
Now three years later, these two meet in the Stanley Cup Finals, two players eager to prove their clear dominace. I could break down their stats all day, but i'm gonna get to the real point and compare these two's playoff beards.
-Patty K-
Chicago Blackhawks Right Wing, 1st Overall in '07.
Starting the playoffs all players are on the same page beard-wise so Patrick had a fair start:
Now we remember how Canucks goaltender Roberto Luongo shaved and came out great against the Hawks, here was Patty K's beard response: Clearly no Dustin Byfuglien but getting there.. i guess.
Okay now in the Western Conference Finals, Patrick's gotta be sporting something, anything atleast make a Toews' chops attempt! And:
Here he is your 1st overall pick in '07 heading to the Stanley Cup Final. But more importantly look at that beard, it may be blonde but so is Justin Timberlake's.
-JVR-
Philadelphia Flyers' Left Winger, 2nd Overall in '07.
The 21 year old came into the final game of his rookie season with absolutely no idea he would be going to the Finals.
As the comeback came on in full swing it all came down to game 7 vs the Bruins, JVR stepped up but sadly his beard had not.
The Eastern Conference Finals, it's been a month but finally we have beard! It may only look like 5 o'clock shadow, even though it's 5 week shadow.
In the Game 5 win that sent the Flyers to the Stanley Cup Finals, everything in the Flyers offense was in full bloom. Except JVR's beard still had not. Hence the unadknowledgement from the vets.
The Winner of The Battle of the 21 year olds' somewhat Beards will be determined over these next two weeks during the Stanley Cup Finals. By who's Playoff Beard can step up and reign supreme. ...In other news Ville Leino now has 3 beards.
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