Paul Maurice Creates Buzz With His Actions Following Florida Panthers Victory

They say “third time’s a charm,” and it looks like the 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 win 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 Aleksander Barkov to break the 3-3 tie like a boss. Then Sam Bennett, who’s casually leading the league in playoff goals right now, sealed the deal with an empty-netter, sending Panthers fans into a frenzy that had them already checking flight prices to the Final.

Matthew Tkachuk was in his element, and Sergei Bobrovsky did his thing with 20 saves. Even though Sebastian Aho came in hot for Carolina with two goals, the Florida Panthers showcased their resilience and turned the tide like pros. But the drama didn’t end with the final buzzer. As the boys in red and black were soaking in their moment, Panthers coach Paul Maurice decided to spice things up post-game. Yep, the man raised a few brows with some antics, leading to a not-so-friendly interaction now making waves on hockey Twitter.

Spittin’ Chiclets hopped on X with a spicy clip right after Florida’s big win, showcasing the coaches Paul Maurice and Rod Brind’Amour locking up in a handshake that was anything but friendly. As the final buzzer rang, the Panthers celebrated on the ice, but when Maurice strolled over for the handshake, tension soared. Even the cameraman seemed caught off guard, with commentators low-key freaking out over the intensity of the moment.

Elliot Friedman jumped in with insider context, noting, “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.” It looks like the Florida Panthers coach breaking his usual rule was a sign that something serious was brewing. The fans quickly took to social media with their takes. 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 triggering even a scare for their opponents. The whole handshake scene split the fanbase, fueling debates among supporters. Some rallied behind the Florida Panthers coach, calling it fire and passion, while others were taken aback by the palpable tension. Either way, it was clear this wasn’t just your usual ‘good luck next time’ moment—it was a full-on spectacle!

Florida Panthers and Hurricanes’ Game Sees an Altercation Between the Coaches!

The internet had plenty to say, with one fan not holding back: “Rod can’t even look him in the eyes, poor guy. Get the guy some talent on that roster and see what he can really do.” And honestly? That ain’t just smoke. Rod Brind’Amour isn’t just some random dude behind the bench; he’s a Canadian legend. Drafted ninth overall in ’88, he laced up for the Blues, Flyers, and the Canes, famously captaining Carolina to their very first Stanley Cup win in 2006.

Fast forward to his coaching days, Rod took on a development role in 2011 and hasn’t looked back. By 2018, he had the head coach position locked down, leading the team to a playoff berth in his very first season, snapping a decade-long drought like it was nothing. By 2021, he became the first Canes coach to lead his squad to three straight playoff runs. He even snagged the Jack Adams Award and made NHL history in 2024 as the fastest coach to reach 300 wins. So, when a fan declared, “People shitting on Rod don’t know shit about hockey,” they really weren’t lying.

Another user chimed in, “Maurice and Rod go way back, so I think they respect each other.” And let’s be real; these two have roots that run deep in hockey. Paul Maurice didn’t just coach Rod Brind’Amour for nine seasons; he played a pivotal role in shaping his second act. When Rod’s playing career ended on a bumpy note, stripped of his captaincy and forced to watch the playoffs from the sidelines, he was uncertain about coaching. Maurice saw something special in him, encouraging Rod to pursue coaching on his own terms.

It caught fire, indeed. Rod joined Maurice’s staff in 2011 with uncertain expectations but learned from a master. “I’ll never be able to coach… he’s way up here in the way he thinks,” Rod had expressed, doubting his abilities. Fast-forward to the present, and he’s emerged as one of the most respected coaches in the league, armed with fire and a tactical mind built for battle. Maurice even remarked, “He’s been great at it.” So when a fan quipped, “Maybe he was asking Maurice for a job on his staff next year? 🤷‍♂️,” it hit differently.