2018 NHL Stanley Cup Playoff Handshake Lines

The time-honored tradition of NHL playoff combatants shaking hands upon the conclusion of a series is among the greatest displays of sportsmanship in professional team sports today. Seconds after the horn sounds at the end of a series, players and coaches from both teams convene at center ice to celebrate each other's efforts.

The videos below capture the final moments of play in each series-ending game to date in the 2018 Stanley Cup playoffs along with the ensuing traditional team handshake line, sorted by round and series end date.

FIRST ROUND

The Golden Knights eliminated the Kings in Game 4 on April 17, 2018.

The Sharks eliminated the Ducks in Game 4 on April 18, 2018.

The Jets eliminated the Wild in Game 5 on April 20, 2018.

The Lightning eliminated the Devils in Game 5 on April 21, 2018.

The Penguins eliminated the Flyers in Game 6 on April 22, 2018.

The Predators eliminated the Avalanche in Game 6 on April 22, 2018.

The Capitals eliminated the Blue Jackets in Game 6 on April 23, 2018.

The Bruins eliminated the Leafs in Game 7 on April 25, 2018.

SECOND ROUND

The Lightning eliminated the Bruins in Game 5 on May 6, 2018.

The Golden Knights eliminated the Sharks in Game 6 on May 6, 2018.

The Capitals eliminated the Penguins in Game 6 on May 7, 2018.

The Jets eliminated the Predators in Game 7 on May 10, 2018.

THIRD ROUND

The Golden Knights eliminated the Jets in Game 5 on May 20, 2018.

The Capitals eliminated the Lightning in Game 7 on May 23, 2018.

STANLEY CUP FINAL

The Capitals eliminated the Golden Knights in Game 5 on June 7, 2018.

In an age of results reigning over respect, it's encouraging to see such sportsmanship in professional sport, albeit with notable exceptions (Milan Lucic 2014), abstention (Martin Brodeur 2008, Derek Boogaard 2007, Chris Chelios 2007, Darren McCarty 1997, Ed Belfour 1995, Billy Smith, Gerry Cheevers) and disdain (Dino Ciccarelli 1996) in recent years.

* See also 2019 NHL Stanley Cup Playoff Handshake Lines.
* See also 2017 NHL Stanley Cup Playoff Handshake Lines.
* See also 2016 NHL Stanley Cup Playoff Handshake Lines.
* See also 2015 NHL Stanley Cup Playoff Handshake Lines.
* See also 2014 NHL Stanley Cup Playoff Handshake Lines.
* See also 2013 NHL Stanley Cup Playoff Handshake Lines.