Dustin Penner’s epic playoff beard shaved down to epic handlebar mustache (PHOTO)

There was no better playoff beard this season than the facial foliage that grew on Los Angeles Kings forward Dustin Penner's face during their run to the 2012 Stanley Cup. Teammate Rob Scuderi was quoted as saying he'd never seen someone able to grow a beard around their eyes. That's how unique it was.

Now that the season is over and the mass of hair needed to be shaved, Penner teamed up with Philips Norelco to allow fans to vote for his new look on their Facebook page. Voters decided that Penner trim it down into a handlebar mustache.

Appearing at Dodger Stadium on Wednesday night with his teammates to help throw out the first pitch before a game against the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim, Penner showed off the new facial hair for the first time.

Via John Hoven at MayorsManor.com, here's the new-look Penner:

So, so glorious.

It doesn't appear to be something one can twirl, like say John Axford's handlebar mustache (RIP), but considering it's made up of two months of growth, it still looks spectacular and we hope Penner decides to keep this long-term.

Check out Hoven's Twitter page and LA Kings Insider for more photos of the Kings at Dodger Stadium, including Matt Greene in a full baseball uniform.

Follow Sean Leahy on Twitter at @Sean_Leahy