FACT!
NBC Sports chairman Mark Lazarus wants people to watch hockey on his networks. He thinks playoff beards, as iconic a part of the NHL playoffs as multiple overtimes and playing through grisly injuries, are keeping those people away.
In an interview with the Chicago Sun Times, Lazarus said he's talked to officials, the NHLPA and players about shaving off their beards because it can stunt their branding opportunities:
"I know it's a tradition and superstition, but I think (the beards do) hurt recognition. They have a great opportunity with more endorsements.