Paul Maurice Raises Eyebrows With His Actions Post Florida Panthers Win

They say “third time’s a charm” and looks like Florida Panthers really skated their way right back into the Stanley Cup Final like it’s just another Wednesday night hobby. They pulled off a wild 5-3 dub over the Hurricanes in Game 5, and trust us, it was anything but chill. Carter Verhaeghe decided to be that guy, tipping in a slick pass from Barkov to break the 3-3 tie like a boss. Then Sam Bennett, who’s just casually leading the league in playoff goals right now, sealed the deal with an empty-netter that had Panthers fans already checking flight prices to the Final.

Tkachuk was in his element, Bobrovsky did his thing with 20 saves, and even though Aho came in hot for Carolina with two goals, the Panthers turned the tide like pros. But wait; it didn’t end with the final buzzer. Oh no. As the boys in red and black were soaking in their moment, Panthers coach Paul Maurice decided to spice things up postgame. Yep, the man raised a few brows with some antics and let’s just say there was a little tension in the air, and maybe a not-so-friendly interaction that’s now doing laps on hockey Twitter.

Spittin’ Chiclets hopped on X with a spicy clip right after the Panthers’ big W, showing coaches Paul Maurice and Rod Brind’Amour locking up in a handshake that was anything but friendly. “Maurice and Rod have some words after the Florida advances to the Cup final.” The final buzzer had just rung, the Panthers were vibing and celebrating on ice, and then came the classic handshake moment. But when Maurice strolled over to give Brind’Amour a handshake, things got a little heated real quic. Even the cameraman seemed caught off guard, with commentators low-key freaking out.

Maurice and Rod have some words after the Florida advances to the Cup final pic.twitter.com/77uZyFt7AF

— Spittin' Chiclets (@spittinchiclets) May 29, 2025

Elliot Friedan popped in with some insider context, dropping this nugget: “Maurice has said he doesn’t go into the handshake line: ‘it’s for the players.’ I might be proven wrong, but that’s what I think this is.” So, looks like Maurice breaking his usual rule was a sign something serious was brewing. And naturally, the fans had their own takes swirling around. One user threw shade saying, “Rod knows he’s on the hot seat for not advancing past the ECF again.” Oof. Truth bomb right there.

Carolina’s been stuck at the conference finals for the third time in seven years without even giving the other team a scare. So yeah, the whole handshake scene split the fanbase like no other. Some folks are all in on Maurice’s side, calling it fire and passion, while others are just shook at the tension. Either way, it’s clear this wasn’t just your usual ‘good luck next time’ moment.

The post Paul Maurice Raises Eyebrows With His Actions Post Florida Panthers Win appeared first on EssentiallySports.