Tkachuk and McDavid's Handshake: Respect and Rivalry After the Stanley Cup

The 2025 Stanley Cup Finals concluded with a thrilling victory for the Florida Panthers, but the handshake line between Matthew Tkachuk and Connor McDavid offered a glimpse into the respect and rivalry between the two teams. In a post-game interview, Tkachuk stated, "I just remember thinking that if all things were to go to plan for both of us, it should be us two at the end." McDavid added, "Obviously, it's we just lost, going through the handshake line, just trying to kind of get through it." Their words highlight the intense competition while also acknowledging the mutual respect between two of the league's top players. The encounter underscores the drama and sportsmanship inherent in professional hockey, promising an exciting rematch in the future.