Evander Kane is in hot water with hockey fans after what many are calling a disrespectful move in the wake of the Edmonton Oilers’ Stanley Cup Final loss to the Florida Panthers.
With just under three minutes remaining and the Oilers trailing 5–1, Kane was hit with a 10-minute misconduct after a stick foul on Matthew Tkachuk. The two had been jawing throughout the series, but tensions boiled over in the final moments of Game 6.
However, it wasn’t the penalty that sparked the real outrage, but what happened after.
NHL: Kane Skips the Handshake Line
As the Panthers celebrated their back-to-back Stanley Cup victory, players from both sides lined up for the traditional post-series handshake. Kane was nowhere to be seen, an omission that was immediately noticed by fans and broadcasters alike.
No Comment Yet From Oilers or Kane
As of Tuesday morning, neither Kane nor the Oilers have addressed his absence. While emotions run high after a championship defeat, especially after a physical and intense series. Skipping the handshake is seen as one of the biggest breaches of etiquette in the NHL.
Whether this was a personal decision or a misunderstanding remains unclear. But one thing is certain: fans noticed, and many aren’t willing to let it slide.
This incident could tarnish what has been a strong postseason run for Kane. Kane is known for his aggressive style but now may be remembered more for how the series ended than how he played.
As the Panthers celebrate their Stanley Cup triumph, the Oilers are left not only with a tough loss but also with another controversy clouding their offseason.
Read More: 20 NHL Stars Who Played Like the Team Was Just a Supporting Cast
