5 best photos of Joe Thornton's playoff beard

Joe Thornton and his wonderfully tangled, two-toned face mane are on to the second round.

So, to acknowledge the disregarded San Jose Sharks, and their exorcising of every demon Friday, we acknowledge the beard effectively reflecting the ethos of a team who finally seems at ease, and one that can now let go of a tormenting history.

Break out the beard oil, and enjoy:

They say it's been four months since Thornton's trimmed the hedges. He'll hope its at least one more before he can think about clippers.

Thornton scored 64 points - the second-most in the NHL - in his 53 regular-season games since the mid point in December. Or around the time he did away with grooming products.

It isn't, however, quite full enough to conceal the delight of defeating the Los Angeles Kings. Not yet anyway.

It's influence now awaits the winner of Ducks-Predators.

Oh, and we'd be remiss if we didn't acknowledge his grizzly inspiration:

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