Rod Brind’Amour, the head coach of the Carolina Hurricanes, announced his intention to return to the traditional post-series handshake line after respecting the request made by Florida Panthers coach Paul Maurice. This decision follows last week’s season-ending loss in Game 5 of the Eastern Conference Final.

Brind’Amour stated that while he did not anticipate Maurice’s request, he valued the reasoning behind it, even if he did not entirely concur with it. “It’s about the players; they are the ones battling out there. We are just observers,” Brind’Amour noted, emphasizing the significance of the handshake line in honoring the players’ efforts.

He remarked on his past experiences in the handshake line, stating, “I’ll probably return to it moving forward, as it’s a matter of respect.” This line holds personal meaning for him, especially recalling memorable moments, such as a first-round series victory against New Jersey, where former Hurricanes played for the Devils.

Maurice elaborated on his stance, indicating that the handshake moment should emphasize the players alone, avoiding distractions from coaches. “The last thing that players deserve is a crowd of coaches in suits around them. It’s about recognizing the athletes who fought hard during the season,” Maurice explained.

The Panthers are set to face the Edmonton Oilers in a Stanley Cup Final rematch, with Game 1 scheduled for Wednesday.