The phenomenon, or philosophy rather of the playoff beard continues to grow, and it seems like more and more of the faithful are joining the flock.

Playoff beards were everywhere. Players and fans alike. Gillette tried to get in on the action by promoting their products as playoff beard enhancements ( which makes about as much sense as washing my car with 80 grade sandpaper). As backwards as their promotion was, they should see a spike in the stock prices as the razors can finally come out, and attempt to do battle with some of the thickest facial undergrowth we've ever seen.

Both the Penguins and Red Wings showcased some amazing playoff beards. For the Pens, it's difficult not to point out Ryan Malone, Maxime Talbot, Marian Hossa, and even a pre-pubescent Sidney Crosby was starting to look like Zorro towards the end of the finals. However... the Red Wings achieved peace through superior playoff beard. It is a rule of mine that the Norris Trophy can only go to a winner of the Stanley Cup and that is the standard I've used for the past 2 years, and this season is no different. Doing otherwise would be like handing the Conn Smythe to Jean-Sebastien Giguere while the New Jersey Devils celebrated winning the Stanley Cup... ooops.

The Red Wings Playoff Beard Corps were nothing short of spectacular. Holstrom. Maltby. Zetterberg. The list goes on and on. But one man stood above and beyond the call of the playoff beard.

Not only did he bring his standard issue chin mullet to the finals and help his club to another Stanley Cup final, but this man did his finest impersonation of the red bearded G.I. Joe Arctic Trooper Snow Job (that's Snow...). While this certainly helped push him past his competition, I must be honest, that my decision was almost finalized before the series started (provided he and the Wings won). The reason for this individual becoming Bosh's early favorite? He looks like Chuck Norris. The man could be his stunt double. It almost made me weep.... and I assure you, that if Chuck Norris layed eyes upon this particular beard.... he would cry as well. But as you all know, Norris is incapable of crying. All that being said...

Please join me in congratulating Detroit Red Wings forward Kris Draper as our 2007-2008 Chuck Norris Trophy winner for best playoff beard!

Congratulations Kris. See you next beard!

Your friend on ice,
Captain Bosh