With the Stanley Cup Finals finally upon us, many viewers may have noticed an abundance of fully-bearded hockey players on the ice Saturday, as the playoff beards are making their final appearances before they are either proven successful with a Cup win or an unsuccessful attempt to trick fate. Playoff beards came into existence in the 1980’s when players of the New York Islanders decided not to shave during their Stanley Cup run. After winning four consecutive Cups, the practice of not shaving during the playoffs became a lucky tradition. However, once the Islanders’ luck ran out, the tradition was lost until 1995, when the New Jersey Devils brought it back to stay.

Spreading from the NHL players to various hockey leagues and fans throughout the world, many hockey faithfuls may be interested in joining in this practice of not shaving, commonly despised by wives and girlfriends.

According to the Bleacher Report, there is only one rule to the playoff beard:

1. Players or fans cannot shave until their team is eliminated from the playoffs or after the final game of the Championship.

There is an exception, however, for players – like Vancouver Canucks goalie Roberto Luongo – who are hoping a quick shave will change their luck.

Here are a few playoff beard styles:

However, some fans (and players) may not be able to grow a full playoff beard. Alternatives include convincing a friend to do it for you or, in Patrick Kane’s case, growing a mullet.

Twelve of the sixteen playoff teams participated in the NHL’s Beard-a-thon, where fans can either gather pledges for their own beards or pledge a player or friend. Thus far, the Chicago Blackhawks are in third place with $36,299, which will go to Chicago Blackhawks Charities. The Washington Capitals are in second with $38,044, going to the Washington Capitals Caps Care program, while the Pittsburgh Penguins lead with $90,868, which will be donated to the Mario Lemieux Foundation.

Check out Puck Daddy, a Yahoo Sports blog, for a playoff beard comparison of the only two teams left standing – Hawks versus Flyers.

Fans tweet in on whether they love or hate playoff beards and which remaining team has the better beards:

1. 
   areyouserious18 ode to playoff beards – oh playoff beards where scruff is dignified and connectors are king….and quantity beats quality oh playoff beards 26 May 2010 from web
2. 
   volcompancake @sportsguy33 I can’t tell you enough how much respect playoff beards command 26 May 2010 from TweetCaster in reply to sportsguy33
3. 
   compro16 @NHLBlackhawks We’re not shaving off our playoff beards until we’ve won the Cup! 28 May 2010 from TweetDeck in reply to NHLBlackhawks
4. 
   salty_birdie @wyshynski Too much crazy going on and not enough playoff beards. The Flyers have the best ones this season! #showsomeloveNBC <span class="meta entry-meta" style=%2