Playoff hockey is among us so I thought I would put together a list of the best and most unique things about the playoffs.

PLAYOFF BEARDS

When the veterans are unrecognizable, the rookies have barely any stubble and Brent Burns, well, is Brent Burns.

Rally Towels

There's nothing like welcoming your team onto the ice by waving around your rally towel in the air like your life depends on it.

You’re reasoning for anything outside of hockey is, because it’s the cup

"Why are you late?" - Because it's the cup. "Why did you call out of work?"- Because it's the cup.

Games don’t go to OT or shootouts, it’s just free hockey

Who doesn't love a playoff game that goes into 3 OT

Players will play with broken bones get IV’s during intermission and continue playing.

But if LeBron has a bruised knee, he's questionable for the next game.

Nothing says dedication like playing with a hole in your lung or broken bones.

Stars shine

Who could forget Bobby Ryan's moves against Nashville?

You develop rivalries in the playoffs from playing the same team for 2 weeks

Guys have been knocked out removed from the game and come back and score an amazing goal shows the heart and pride of a player trying to reach their ultimate goal.

OFF THE FLOOR. ON THE BOARD. PAUL KARIYA.

NHL teams will trade veterans to Stanley Cup contenders

After battling the same team for 7 games the respect for the game and the opponent is shown with the traditional handshake line.

I don't see any other sport with this kind of respect.

When teams win their divisions and are awarded either the Prince of Wales trophy (east) & the Clarence Campbell Bowl (west) and the players usually will not touch these because the award they're fighting for is Stanley Cup.

The anxiety of an elimination game and clinching at home

Because there is no other feeling in the world that even comes close to seeing your hero hoist Lord Stanley's Cup.