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New York Islanders: Bryan Trottier Explains Playoff Beard History

By Matt O'Leary
Jan 16, 2015; Uniondale, NY, USA; New York Islanders former player Bryan Trottier is honored before a game against the Pittsburgh Penguins at Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 16, 2015; Uniondale, NY, USA; New York Islanders former player Bryan Trottier is honored before a game against the Pittsburgh Penguins at Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports /
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New York Islanders legend Bryan Trottier (in cartoon form) explains the history of the playoff beard and why guys still grow them today.

During the 1974-1975 season the New York Islanders clinched their first playoff spot in team history. They beat the other New York team in their first round matchup before falling down 3-0 against the Pittsburgh Penguins in round two.

The Isles called up an 18-year old by the name of Bryan Trottier for Game 4 and the rest is history. Check out the video for yourself:

So there you have it. The video reminded me of those School House Rock educational videos from back in the day. It worked, it was very entertaining.

They completed the comeback down 3-0 so other teams began to adopt this custom as they thought it’d bring them the good luck. That’s one of the things I love about the sport is all the superstitions about the game.

Hockey is a very unique game and the playoff beard is one of the things I like most about it. Although the one downside is my beard comes in very patchy, as a fan I feel like it’s my Isles civic duty to grow out the beard too, but that’s beside the point.

Next: Best and Worst Jerseys In Team History

We have those 1975 Islanders to thank for a tradition that has lasted 42 years. Maybe next year we will see the Islanders grow out some long beards? One can dream.

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