NBC Sports Chairman Wants the NHL to Ban Playoff Beards

NBC Sports Chairman, Mark Lazarus, has a suggestion for the NHL in how they can market hockey players better: ban their playoff beards. Say what?  NO! We love our burly hockey men!

Lazarus recently shared his reasoning behind this suggestion to the Chicago Tribune and said:

"The players won't like this, but I wish they all would stop growing beards in the postseason. Let's get their faces out there. Let's talk about how young and attractive they are. What model citizens they are. (Hockey players) truly are one of a kind among professional athletes.

I know it's a tradition and superstition, but I think (the beards do) hurt recognition. They have a great opportunity with more endorsements. Or simply more recognition with fans saying, 'That guy looks like the kid next store,' which many of these guys do. I think that would be a nice thing."

Does he have a point? We decided to test it out for ourselves...

In summary, our research has found that maybe some more player marketing is needed, but LEAVE THE BEARDS ALONE!

Go Blackhawks! Kick some Tampa Bay bootie!