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People are still wringing their hands over the perceived snub.
Pittsburgh Penguins captain Sidney Crosby has been vilified for failing to shake hands with some Detroit Red Wings players after winning the Stanley Cup in Game 7 of the NHL final.
But even if some of the Wings did feel insulted, the situation has been overblown, some local NHLers suggested yesterday.
"I know, personally, a guy like Sidney wouldn't do that on purpose," said Chicago Blackhawks captain Jonathan Toews. "Obviously, in that moment, it's tough for the Red Wing players to stand there and watch the Pittsburgh players keep on celebrating for a while. In that situation, you definitely have to try to go out of your way and make it a priority to go over to the other team and try to pay your respect to them because, obviously, both teams played very respectful hockey and were respectful out there.
"I mean, it's unfortunate but obviously, he didn't mean it and I'm sure if he could go back, he would change what he did. So, to me, it's not that big of a deal."
New Jersey Devils forward Travis Zajac concurred.
"I saw him struggling during the game and I'm sure he didn't mean to do it on purpose," he said. "I don't think he's that type of player to want to disrespect the other team. Whatever happened, people are making a bigger deal of it than what it is but, what can you do?"
Former Montreal Canadiens tough guy John Ferguson never shook hands with opponents after a playoff series, win or lose, mainly because he would develop such a hatred for those trying to beat him and his team.
