Panthers coach Paul Maurice blatantly lied about reason for skipping handshake line
Photo credit: Florida Panthers on X
The Florida Panthers have clinched their third straight Stanley Cup Final appearance, and coach Paul Maurice started controversy when he declined to shake the hands of the Hurricanes.
Paul Maurice and Coach Rod Brind'Amour got in an animated discussion before the handshake line, and after the game, Maurice explained that he doesn't shake hands with the players - but that's just not true.
Paul Maurice caught in a lie when explaining discussion with Rod Brind'Amour
After the game, Paul Maurice explained he doesn't shake hands with the players and never has - he just doesn't like the aesthetic of a bunch of suits pretending they were part of the battle between two teams.
It's a personal belief. I don't believe coaches should shake players' hands at the end. There's a long list of people in suits and tracksuits, we have like 40 people on the ice - they're really important to our group. But not one of them was in the game. There's something for me, visually with the camera on, of just the men who played.
- Paul Maurice
- Paul Maurice
It's a weird assertion from Maurice really, because hockey and the NHL has evolved to have handshakes including coaches as part of its playoff traditions. Maurice can swear off the tradition all he likes, but he's also just lying about not shaking hands previously.
Maurice shook hands with the Oilers after beating them in the Stanley Cup Final last year. It was the biggest stage and the final game of the year, so maybe he made an experience to his rule - but nope.
Maurice shook hands with the Lightning in the first round of the playoffs this season as well. He didn't shake hands with the Leafs or the Canes, which then just goes to a question of respect.
Rod Brind'Amour responds to Paul Maurice handshake line controversy
Now, Coach Rod Brind'Amour has confirmed that he didn't like the move from Maurice. The Hurricanes coach sees it as a sign of respect, and has close personal relationships on the other side.
It's absolutely bizarre to see Maurice avoid this long-held NHL tradition arbitrarily, and just claim he doesn't like it. His overall behaviour seems in line with the Panthers' team attitude of being pests.
If the Oilers are able to put away the Dallas Stars, the Florida Panthers and their mind games will be waiting in the Cup Final. Edmonton has every reason to be ultra-motivated to crush the Panthers, and with stuff like this from Maurice, a majority of the NHL will be cheering for the Oilers.
| POLL | ||
MAI 29 | 1019 ANSWERS Panthers coach Paul Maurice blatantly lied about reason for skipping handshake line Do you think Maurice is right that coaches and players shouldn't shake hands? | ||
| Yes, Maurice is right | 226 | 22.2 % |
| No, what's he talking about? | 793 | 77.8 % |
| List of polls | ||
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