What happened: As the Carolina Hurricanes head into the Stanley Cup Final, ESPN spotlighted forward Jackson Blake and his struggle to grow the traditional playoff beard. By Blake's own admission, the facial hair simply is not coming in. The light moment landed as Carolina arrived at hockey's biggest stage in good form.

Why it matters: The playoff beard is one of hockey's most enduring superstitions, and the lighthearted note underscores how loose the Hurricanes look entering the Stanley Cup Final. A relaxed, confident locker room can be a meaningful intangible at the start of a championship series.

What to watch: Watch whether Blake's form carries onto the ice when the Stanley Cup Final opens, with Carolina chasing the franchise's first title since 2006.