What an absolutely amazing playoffs. Every round showcased an unprecedented level of play... and playoff beards.

The religion of the playoff beard continues to gain followers both on and off the ice as the faithful pay tribute and honor to our Lord and Savior Chuck Norris.

Once again the Detroit Red Wings and Pittsburgh Penguins found themselves locked in battle for the Stanley Cup and perhaps the most coveted of all prizes... the Chuck Norris Trophy.

The Red Wings appear to have a team mandate that anyone caught shaving will be fined and sent to their AHL affiliate. Detroit's playoff beards were brilliant as always (this team actually has a trainer who specializes in maintaining their chin mullets) led by the likes of Henrik Zetterberg, Dan Cleary, Tomas Holstrom and even the snake bitten Marian Hossa. This is an organization that will one day topple Gillette.

However in this Stanley Cup Final sequel, the Pittsburgh Penguins turned out to have just a goatee more playoff beard depth and that would prove to be the difference. Prior to their successful Cup run, the Penguins aquired forwards Bill Guerin and Kris Kunitz to bolster their offence and playoff beard strength. Guerin's playoff beard was a thing of glory. Lightly seasoned with some gray, Guerin's chin was enough to make the Executives at Just For Men salivate. The Beard was also strong with Maxime Talbot (Talbot's playoff beard was one of Bosh's favorites, but ultimately he fell just short) who provided grit, and timely scoring, including a pair in Game 7 that would lift the Penguins to the Stanley Cup Championship. While captain Sidney Crosby has yet to hit puberty (he's still only 15 years old afterall) his effort was admirable... although he is in danger of sporting of the Officer Friesen if he isn't careful in the future.

Much like the Conn Smythe Trophy, the winner of the Chuck Norris Trophy can only be presented to a member of the Stanley Cup winner (yeah I know about J.S. Giguere.... enough already, Brodeur got robbed that year).

Credited for a short-handed goal in game 4 that many experts believed turned the Stanley Cup Finals around for the Pittsburgh Penguins, Jordan Staal raised his level of play and beard. Staal not only sported a spectacular Pennsylvania-Dutch style playoff beard (perhaps to honor the fans native to his club's region) but was able to best Red Wings defenceman Brian Rafalski one on one and deposit the shortie past goaltender Chris Osgood. The Penguins came to life and captured the game 4-2 and went on to achieve victory. Staal's playoff beard was artwork. A finely woven scarf of man-fur that gently cradled his face, providing warmth and creating fear in his opponents (see Rafalski above). Perhaps the most amazing thing about Jordan Staal's playoff beard is that he is only 20 years of age. Can you imagine what this kid will look like at age 30? The potential for a part in a Star Wars movie is unlimited. That being said...

Please join me in congratulating Pittsburgh Penguins forward Jordan Staal as our 2008-2009 Chuck Norris Trophy winner for best playoff beard!

Congratulations Jordan. See you next beard!

Your friend on ice,
Captain Bosh