The NHL playoffs started last night, and for many of these professional athletes that means growing a "playoff beard." A tradition in hockey that goes back three decades, the playoff beard is for both players and fans who refuse to shave during the post-season. This superstition has spread to other professional sports as well, and got us wondering: what other superstitions do professional sports players have? And what superstitions do you have while watching your favorite team?

Time is short in the 2011/2012 NFL season, but this past weekend certainly left behind some incredible moments. The New York Giants pulled off a huge upset by pummeling the Green Bay Packers. And speaking of a pummeling, that is exactly what Broncos quarterback Tim Tebow received from the New England Patriots as his offensive line could not hold.

It's considered the best weekend of football, the divisional round of the NFL playoffs. New York Jets head coach, Rex Ryan, has been vocal all week in the runup to Sunday's big game. Many criticized him for talking too much, but his team lived up to all the talk, upsetting the Patriots 28-21. 

The NFL regular season ended yesterday, which means the playoff picture is set, and the road to the Super Bowl begins next weekend. Nando Di Fino, sports writer for The Wall Street Journal, has the final playoff picture, and talks about the future of hall-of-fame bound players like Brett Favre and Randy Moss — have they seen their last game? And what's in store for coaches like John Fox, Eric Mangini, Tom Coughlin and Jeff Fischer?

The San Francisco Giants had a chance to close out its divisional series against the Atlanta Braves yesterday and meet the Philadelphia Phillies in the National League Championship. Takeaway sports contributor Ibrahim Abdul-Matin wonders if the Braves will be able to live another day. He also previews Game five of the ALDS between the Texas Rangers and Tampa Bay Rays.

Philadelphia Phillies ace pitcher Roy Halladay, made a stunning playoff debut against the Cincinnati Reds, yesterday.  He pitched only the second no-hitter in Major League Baseball post-season history.

The Takeaway's sports contributor, Ibrahim Abdul-Matin, talks about this historic moment, and takes us through the rest of baseball's playoffs.

• WASHINGTON TAKEOUT: White House Press Secretary Robert Gibbs called Saturday's attempted car bombing in New York City's Times Square an act of terror. Washington Correspondent Todd Zwillich tells us why and how the politics of terrorism are playing a role in the White House's response.
• SPORTS TAKEOUT: Takeaway sports contributor, Ibrahim Abdul-Matin, recaps last night's action in the NBA playoffs, previews tonight's games, which includes Game 2 between the Utah Jazz and the Los Angeles Lakers.

• WASHINGTON: Ben Bernanke is seeking confirmation as Fed chairman before his term ends next Sunday. Takeaway Washington correspondent Todd Zwillich tells us if the Senate will play politics with the nomination.
• SPORTS: After yesterday's NFL conference championships, we now know who's going to the superbowl: The Indianapolis Colts and the New Orleans Saints. Takeaway sports contributor Ibrahim Abdul-Matin recaps the game.
• YOUR STATE OF THE UNION: President Obama gives his first ever State of the Union speech this Wednesday. All week, we're asking listeners and guests for their own version — preferably in six words. We hear some submissions we've been getting so far.

The NFL regular season is over and the playoff picture is complete. Wall Street Journal sports writer Nando DiFino reviews week 17 in the NFL and previews all the playoff matchups.