The Top 10 Playoff Beards of Recent History

It has been that time for quite a while now, and if you are a true fan, your face should be quite itchy right about now—you have the New York Islanders of the '80s to blame.

Although it was started and popularized in the NHL, every other sport, and its fans, has adopted the tradition.

There have been big ones, small ones, red ones, and gray ones. Take a glimpse through recent history at the 10 best facial hair displays.

10. Zydrunas Ilgauskas—2006

During the Cavaliers' 2006 playoff run, Big Z joined teammates Drew Gooden and LeBron James with a sporty playoff beard.

Apparently, "Z" didn't lose his hair...he just hid it in his chin. He, as well as the wife, grew tired of the beard, and the playoff gods grew tired of watching the Cavs.

9. Peter Forsberg—2006

I am not sure if it's the streaked hair or the fierce eyes, but something about that face strikes fear in me.

It must be the beard...otherwise he would just look like a frat guy.

8. Tom Brady—2004

Okay, so maybe it isn't the thickest beard. And, okay, maybe it looks just a little too perfectly trimmed. But...it's Tom Terrific!

I guess I have a man-crush on him for more reasons than the Super Bowl hats he has allowed me to purchase...stupid rugged good looks!

7. Matt Light—2004

Why not go to the man who protected Brady's blind side? If Brady's beard is to be considered too thin, Light's is the polar opposite.

Just look at how thick that thing looks. I think Snuggie stole their idea from the 2004 Patriots O-line.

6. Kris Draper—2007

More hockey players, you say? How about a man whose beard made his jaw look twice as large as his forehead? (Actually, it may really be that much larger.)

Looking at this beard makes me want to warn children about the importance of wearing AT LEAST SPF 40.

5. Scott Niedermayer—2003

During his 2003 run to the Cup, Niedermayer decided to let his hair grow out to the maximum.

The best part about this beard is without a doubt the grays...makes him look like the common man. It looks like the world's biggest Ducks fan broke onto the ice and got a hold of the Cup.

Gotta support the team.

4. Jake Plummer—2005

Forget about him, did you?

Jake the Snake looked like he was preparing for a movie role as a bum, but he was actually supporting his Denver Broncos during their run to the AFC Championship Game.

Now he doesn't play football after retiring. He was actually traded after he retired...he still didn't want the money. Now he may actually be a bum.

Oh, the irony.

3. Ken Daneyko—2003

Yikes.

The beard is thick, and the teeth are conspicuously thin. Give Daneyko credit—his beard did get him a Stanley Cup.

But that, combined with his career in hockey, apparently, ruined his chances of ever getting a female companion again...thank God he is married.

(Wait, does that mean he will or will not have female companionship? Marriage is confusing.)

2. Mike Commodore—2006

Just look at the entire ensemble there. The beard itself would be epic, but the red afro? That makes you legendary. Plus, he helped his team to a Stanley Cup.

There might be something to this beard thing. Apparently, the bigger you can get your hair growing, the heavier the trophy will be at the end.

1. Sidney Crosby—2007

Crosby did us all a favor in 2007. Instead of letting his beard grow thick and out of control, he let us use our imagination!

If you want to get all scientific, you can take a microscope...no, a bigger one than that. Got it? Okay. You can see that he could have a thick, lustrous beard...he just didn't want to.

Bravo, Sid. You broke all the rules. Who says you have to have a thick beard? They told the Beatles they couldn't make it in America.

You are groundbreaking.