The Chuck Norris Trophy.

The most coveted prize in all of sports. The Norris Trophy is presented to the wearer of the finest playoff beard at the end of the Stanley Cup Playoffs. This beacon of glory will once again shine upon an ice warrior who possesses not only unparellelled skill, but a mane of facial hair unmatched by any before him.

Last season, Carolina Hurricanes defenceman Bret Hedican presented us with a playoff beard of extraordinary magnitude. Gone were the tell tale signs of a mouth, barely the hint of a chin or it's strap were visible,... no Mr. Hedican was floating helmet of hair. Truly awe inspiring. That is why Bret Hedican was the clear cut winner of the 2006 Chuck Norris Trophy. Who will it be this year? You will find below a selection of a choice few who I believe will be sporting the latest and perhaps finest in playoff beard fashion this post season.

Gentlemen! Drop your razors!

Sidney Crosby - Pittsburgh Penguins
If you asked someone earlier this year if they thought the Pittsburgh Penguins would make the playoffs this season, said individual would have laughed in your face and then struck you in the groin. Ask that same person if they think anyone on the Penguins prepubescent roster can grow a playoff beard, but make sure you are wearing an athletic supporter prior to your query.

Since I was one of the few, and the proud who believed in Pittsburgh's rise to prominence this season (actually, I just thought they would make the playoffs, not challenge for the Atlantic), I tell you that the best is yet to come.

Sidney Crosby can lead a club mired in doubt and despair to the promised land, and become the youngest player ever to win the Art Ross Trophy then I believe nothing is beyond his reach. Sidney Crosby will become the youngest player ever to sport a playoff beard! We will see the Cros-beard this playoff season! Oh yes my friends, mark my words.

Peter Forsberg - Nashville Predators
Since the blockbuster deal that brought the superstar forward to the Nashville Predators, the media storm surrounding Forsberg has quieted some. In his 16 games with the club, Forsberg has collected 13 points (2 goals, 11assists), but the big stage on which he performs best is awaiting his encore appearance. During Forsberg's 139 playoff games he has amassed 162 points (61 goals, 101 points) and his playoff beard has always garnered him top honors.

While often sporting a formidable face mane during the regular season, in the playoffs his chin pelt advances like a brigade led by Alexander himself (It is rumored that he trains with a pack of wolves in the off-season). Expect Nashville's pre-trade deadline acquisition of Forsberg to pay massive dividends in the playoff beard category in the coming weeks. Oh, and he should help them win a few games as well.

Brendan Shanahan - New York Rangers
When the New York Rangers signed Brendan Shanahan in the off season, they were looking to take some pressure off of the Jagr line, get some veteran experience to mentor the youngsters, and most importantly.... playoff beard depth. Expect Shanahan's face mullet to be blooming early in the first round of the playoffs, and if the Rangers can extend their stay at the post season dance.... George Lucas will be asking him to play a Wookie in Chewbacca: The Musical.

Shanahan will of course turn down the offer because like the rest of us, he see the Pre-quels as a stain on the Star Wars legacy.

Marty Turco - Dallas Stars
Marty is my dark horse sleeper pick for best playoff beard this post season. Why you ask? Turco is due, big time. I think this playoffs, while he will be most certainly shrouded in doubt, he is going to shine and carry the Dallas Stars like never before. That being said, his chin will also be shrouded in copious amounts of facial hair. For the first time since succeeding the helm of goaltender from Ed Belfour (a veteran of the playoff beard... and prison) Turco will blossom not only as a clutch playoff performer but also as a master of the beard.

Marty, may the Beard be with you!

Daniel Briere - Buffalo Sabres
The Buffalo Sabres are set to be the furriest team in the NHL playoffs this season. None however will be as overgrown with hair as the follicley (I know that's not really a word, but try and suspend disbelief, just for the sake of the beard) gifted Daniel Briere. This Hair Club for the NHL, known as the Buffalo Sabres has the tools and motivation to travel deep into the post season and the foundation for an army of jaw carpets. Look for Daniel Briere to be sporting a playoff beard that would make Civil War Generals weep with envy.

Scott Niedermayer - Anaheim Ducks
Gillette stock drops every April because of this guy.

Niedermayer is without question the Jedi Master of Playoff Beards. By the end of game 1, Niedermayer will be looking like a Yeti (rumor has it the man has to shave between periods just so he can see during the regular season). When Brian Burke signed the All Star defenceman two years ago he knew he was getting one of the finest players in the league, and unprecedented playoff beard experience.

Your friend on ice,
Captain Bosh