Florida Panthers Handshake Lines

     There is a possibility that there may be a handshake line in the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals at FLA Live Arena following the conclusion of Game 6 between the Florida Panthers and the Boston Bruins tonight It could happen if Boston defeats Florida to end the best-of-seven series. 

     The handshake line is one of the biggest traditions during the Stanley Cup Playoffs. The first handshake was between Maurice Richard of the Montreal Canadiens and Jim Henry of the Boston Bruins on April 8, 1952 in the Montreal Forum after Game 7 of the Stanley Cup Semifinals. The handshake line is a sign of sportsmanship and respect between both teams at the conclusion of a postseason series. 

     There have only been five handshake lines involving the Florida Panthers in a South Florida venue. Three handshake lines happened at Miami Arena during the Panthers long playoff run in 1995-96. They defeated the Boston Bruins in the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals, beat the Philadelphia Flyers in the Eastern Conference Semifinals and lost to the Colorado Avalanche in the Stanley Cup Finals. Florida was defeated in the first round by the New York Rangers in 1996-97.

     Two handshake lines have occurred at their current arena in Sunrise. The Panthers were eliminated by the New Jersey Devils on two occasions. New Jersey was victorious over Florida in the 1999-2000 Eastern Conference Quarterfinals and the 2011-12 Eastern Conference Quarterfinals.