Carolina Hurricanes head coach Rod Brind`Amour has indicated he intends to rejoin the customary post-series handshake line in future instances. He had stepped away from the line following last week`s season-ending defeat to the Florida Panthers in Game 5 of the Eastern Conference Final, at the request of Panthers coach Paul Maurice. Brind`Amour stated that although Maurice`s request was unexpected, he respected the reasoning behind it, even if he didn`t entirely concur.
“It is the players. Of course it is,” Brind`Amour commented. “Those guys are the ones that are battling out there and we`re just sitting back there… We invested a ton into it. So I get his point. It is about the players.” However, reflecting on the situation, Brind`Amour feels the line serves as a demonstration of respect, noting impactful personal memories from participating as a coach.
Brind`Amour mentioned the personal importance the handshake line holds for him, citing Carolina`s first-round victory over New Jersey, where several former Hurricanes players were on the Devils` roster, as an example.
“I think moving forward, I`ll probably go back to it just because it`s a sign of respect,” Brind`Amour affirmed. He views it as coaches, who are deeply involved with their teams, showing respect to the players on both sides. While he deferred to Maurice in the moment because “He won,” Brind`Amour maintained his personal belief in the gesture`s importance “to show respect to the players.”
Paul Maurice explained his perspective after the series-clinching win, stating his desire for the moment to belong solely to the players. A brief on-ice conversation near the benches between the two coaches, which appeared animated but respectful, had drawn attention regarding the decision.
“There`s something for me visually,” Maurice elaborated, highlighting the pure focus on “just the men who played, blocked shots, who fought for each other.” He felt the Carolina players, experiencing the end of their season, didn`t need “50 more guys in suits” they weren`t familiar with. Maurice described the scene of only the players shaking hands as “really kind of beautiful” and something deserving of respect.
Florida is set to face the Edmonton Oilers in a rematch for the Stanley Cup Final, with Game 1 scheduled for Wednesday.
