SAN JOSE -- The beard is weird but awesome. And it could become a rock star. Which wouldn't be a bad thing.
Even with the team's stunning first-round playoff victory over the Los Angeles Kings, it will take a lot for San Jose's favorite hockey team to gain the attention of casual Bay Area sports fans over the next two weeks, what with the the blinding glare of the Warriors' ongoing drama or the NFL draft or the springtime baseball glow from the Giants and A's. But thanks to Brent Burns and his whiskers, there might be a chance to gain some curious eyeballs -- which, in turn, may note that Burns and his teammates have been playing some seriously impressive hockey.