Paul Maurice eschewed the post-game handshake line after his Florida Panthers held off the Carolina Hurricanes in Game 5 of the Eastern Conference final. He explained what he said to Rod Brind ...

Paul Maurice explains why Panthers, Hurricanes coaches skipped handshake line after Eastern Conference Final "Personal belief" led the Panthers coach to let the players enjoy the spotlight ...

Florida Panthers head coach Paul Maurice watches as the players celebrate at the conclusion of Game 5 of the NHL hockey Stanley Cup Eastern Conference finals Wednesday, May 28, 2025, in Raleigh, N.C.

While Brind'Amour did not expect the request, he said he respected Maurice's reasoning — even if he didn't fully agree. "It is the players. Of course it is," Brind'Amour said.

NHL Paul Maurice skipped the NHL’s revered handshake line. Here’s why. The Florida Panthers’ coach says the tradition after a Stanley Cup playoff finale should be reserved for the players.

Paul Maurice got into a small confrontation with Rod Brind’Amour after the Eastern Conference Finals between the Florida Panthers and Carolina Hurricanes ended on Wednesday night.

Florida Panthers head coach Paul Maurice watches as the players celebrate at the conclusion of Game 5 of the NHL hockey Stanley Cup Eastern Conference finals Wednesday, May 28, 2025, in Raleigh, N.C.

Ahead of the Stanley Cup Final, Paul Maurice said the Florida Panthers are “the best team I’ve ever coached.” The veteran coach explains why he said it.

Florida Panthers head coach Paul Maurice watches as the players celebrate at the conclusion of Game 5 of the NHL hockey Stanley Cup Eastern Conference finals Wednesday, May 28, 2025, in Raleigh, N.C.

Florida Panthers head coach Paul Maurice watches as the players celebrate at the conclusion of Game 5 of the NHL hockey Stanley Cup Eastern Conference finals Wednesday, May 28, 2025, in Raleigh, N.C.

Florida Panthers head coach Paul Maurice watches as the players celebrate at the conclusion of Game 5 of the NHL hockey Stanley Cup Eastern Conference finals Wednesday, May 28, 2025, in Raleigh, N.C.