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Slap Shots: NBC Sports exec no fan of playoff beards

One of the honored traditions of playoff hockey revolves around facial hair.

Whether it stems from superstition or a sense of camaraderie, players and staff members put away the razors from the start of the postseason until the team is eliminated. Many teams invite fans to get involved with a charity tie-in, using a Beard-A-Thon to raise money for local charities.

But if one television executive had his way, he’d force players to keep the razors and shaving cream nearby.

NBC Sports chairman Mark Lazarus told the Chicago Tribune players are damaging their potential marketability by covering their faces during the most watched games of the NHL season.