Chicago — So what if they are one of the hockey’s greatest playoff traditions?
The big boss of NBC Sports is not a fan.
Shave the beards, the network’s chairman, Mark Lazarus, told The Chicago Tribune Tuesday.
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Lazarus told the newspaper that he has asked the NHL and its players to stop the growth of facial hair during the two-month Stanley Cup tournament, a practice that—like the handshake line or handing the Cup to the captain—gives hockey’s playoffs a signature wrinkle.
Steven Stamkos, sufferer of beard itch:
“The players won’t like this, but I wish they all would stop growing beards in the postseason,” Lazarus told the Tribune. “Let’s get their faces out there. Let’s talk about how young and attractive they are. What model citizens they are. (Hockey players) truly are one of a kind among professional athletes.
“I know it’s a tradition and superstition, but I think (the beards do) hurt recognition. They have a great opportunity with more endorsements. Or simply more recognition with fans saying, ‘That guy looks like the kid next store,’ which many of these guys do. I think that would be a nice thing.”
Before going full Steinbrenner, Lazarus should take the time to read the playoff blog of Tampa Bay’s Jason Garrison, proud owner of a lustrous thatch of chin hair.
“I’m getting so many compliments on my beard, and even people who want to touch it,” Garrison writes. “I’ve walked outside signing autographs for fans and I’ve had teenage guys who want to grab it.”
Would fans even recognize a clean-shaven Garrison?
