RALEIGH, N.C. — A shaved beard, a Wookie defenseman and a race to the glass. Together, the Sharks and the Carolina Hurricanes are breaking the NHL free of its chains.
They call the NFL the “No Fun League”. The nickname could just as easily describe the NHL. For years, the NHL snuffed out the personality of its players, elevating the concept of team over individuals. It’s an idea that’s dripping with virtue, but too often produces cardboard characters and canned answers. Boring stuff for fans.
But in recent years, the Sharks have defied the norm by allowing its players to scribble outside of the lines.