Best NHL Playoff Beards

Since the New York Islanders in the 1980's, NHL players have been growing beards for good luck. The trend has since expanded beyond hockey with some pro Football and Basketball players following suit. The phenomenon has taken on a life of its own. In the spring, University students can be seen sporting 'exam beards.'

Here's a selection of the this year's best NHL Playoff beards, and one fantastic playoff mullet. 

Todd Bertuzzi of the Detroit Red Wings in action in Game Seven of the Western Conference Quarterfinals against the Phoenix Coyotes during the 2010 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at Jobing.com Arena on April 27, 2010 in Glendale, Arizona.  The Red Wings defeated the Coyotes 6-1 to win the series 4-3.  (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)

Maxime Talbot of the Pittsburgh Penguins argues a call against the Montreal Canadiens in Game Seven of the Eastern Conference Semifinals during the 2010 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at Mellon Arena on May 12, 2010 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.  (Photo by Gregory Shamus/NHLI via Getty Images)

Sidney Crosby of the Pittsburgh Penguins skates against the Montreal Canadiens in Game Seven of the Eastern Conference Semifinals during the 2010 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at Mellon Arena on May 12, 2010 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.  (Photo by Gregory Shamus/NHLI via Getty Images)

Niclas Wallin of the San Jose Sharks  in Game Two of the Western Conference Finals during the 2010 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at HP Pavilion on May 18, 2010 in San Jose, California.  (Photo by Jed Jacobsohn/Getty Images)

Dany Heatley of the San Jose Sharks readies for a face off while taking on the Chicago Blackhawks in Game Three of the Western Conference Finals during the 2010 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at the United Center on May 21, 2010 in Chicago, Illinois.  (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)

Brian Campbell of the Chicago Blackhawks looks on during a stoppage in play against the Philadelphia Flyers in Game Three of the 2010 NHL Stanley Cup Final at the Wachovia Center on June 2, 2010 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.  (Photo by Len Redkoles/NHLI via Getty Images)

Andrew Ladd of the Chicago Blackhawks is seen during Game Four of the 2010 NHL Stanley Cup Finals at Wachovia Center on June 4, 2010 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Bill Smith/NHLI via Getty Images)

Patrick Sharp #10 of the Chicago Blackhawks celebrates with teammate Brent Sopel #5 after scoring a goal in the third period against the Philadelphia Flyers in Game Five of the 2010 NHL Stanley Cup Final at the United Center on June 6, 2010 in Chicago, Illinois.  (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)

Patrick Sharp #10 of the Chicago Blackhawks celebrates with teammate Brent Sopel #5 after scoring a goal in the third period against the Philadelphia Flyers in Game Five of the 2010 NHL Stanley Cup Final at the United Center on June 6, 2010 in Chicago, Illinois.  (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)

 Scott Hartnell #19 of the Philadelphia Flyers flips a puck from a kneeling position during practice for the 2010 NHL Stanley Cup Final at Wachovia Center on June 8, 2010 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.  (Photo by Andre Ringuette/Getty Images)

Antti Niemi #31 of the Chicago Blackhawks looks on in Game Six of the 2010 NHL Stanley Cup Final against the Philadelphia Flyers at the Wachovia Center on June 9, 2010 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.  (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)

Jonathan Toews #19 of the Chicago Blackhawks look on in Game Six of the 2010 NHL Stanley Cup Final against the Philadelphia Flyers at the Wachovia Center on June 9, 2010 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.  (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)

Patrick Kane #88 of the Chicago Blackhawks practices before Game Four of the 2010 NHL Stanley Cup Finals against the Philadelphia Flyers at Wachovia Center on June 4, 2010 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.  (Photo by Bill Smith/NHLI via Getty Images)