Carolina Hurricanes head coach Rod Brind`Amour announced on Tuesday his intention to resume participating in the customary post-series handshake line going forward. He had previously opted out following last week`s Game 5 Eastern Conference Final loss to the Florida Panthers, doing so at the specific request of Panthers coach Paul Maurice. Although Brind`Amour admitted the request was unexpected, he stated he respected Maurice`s rationale, even if he didn`t entirely concur with it.
“It`s about the players, naturally,” Brind`Amour commented. “They are the ones competing on the ice; we are merely observing. We aren`t just passengers; we`ve heavily invested ourselves. So, I grasp his perspective that the focus should be on the players. However, reflecting on it now, we discuss losing with grace, and I`ve experienced quite significant and memorable instances in that handshake line during my coaching career.”
Brind`Amour emphasized that the handshake line retains personal significance for him, citing moments like Carolina`s first-round victory against New Jersey, a team featuring several former Hurricanes players.
“Looking ahead, I`ll likely return to participating because I view it as a gesture of respect,” Brind`Amour stated. “That`s my perspective. We aren`t physically battling on the ice, but we are deeply involved alongside the players. So, that`s how I see it. I believe anyone is entitled to their own view. He won, so I essentially thought, `Okay, I`ll follow your guidance.` But for me personally, I feel it`s important to extend respect to the players.”
Paul Maurice clarified his position following the victory that clinched the series and sent the reigning Stanley Cup finalist Panthers back to the Final round. He explained his desire for that particular moment to be exclusively about the players. A short, notable exchange near the benches on the ice between the two coaches appeared to be a spirited yet respectful discussion regarding the decision.
“For me, visually, with the cameras focused just on the men who played – who blocked shots, who fought for one another – it`s the culmination of one team`s season and elation for the other,” Maurice remarked. “The absolute last thing a Carolina Hurricanes player needs at that moment is 50 more individuals in suits. They have no clue who those people are, and that`s not a criticism. There`s a truly beautiful aspect to the camera simply capturing those players shaking hands. And that`s what we ought to respect.”
Florida is set to face the Edmonton Oilers in a rematch of the Stanley Cup Final, with Game 1 scheduled for Wednesday.
