Matthew Tkachuk's shocking words during Stanley Cup Final handshake line have surfaced

A recording that contained words that players said to each other during the Stanley Cup Final handshake line has surfaced, and Matthew Tkachuk's are shocking.

This gets a little deeper in the recent ESPN+ video, showing what happened after the Stanley Cup Final. It captures Matthew Tkachuk of the Florida Panthers talking to the Edmonton Oilers' Connor McDavid and Stuart Skinner during the handshake line. Tkachuk praised both the players, telling them how they would be seeing each other in the Cup Final again next year. And to Skinner, he added that the Oilers are "just too good."

Connor McDavid showed class, congratulating Tkachuk and saying that the Panthers had won this game. Stuart Skinner was similarly upbeat, suggesting that a return to the Cup Final sounded like a pretty good ending. Given the heated nature of the moment, both sides showed quite a respectful exchange.

That handshake line has long since been one of hockey's most treasured traditions as a display of sportsmanship and respect, even in defeat. The Oilers were classy with one of their biggest rivals, Matthew Tkachuk, who returned the favor. It really shows the character of hockey that after being devastated, players can still show respect to their opponents.

Behind closed doors, however, it was palpable that the Oilers felt the defeat deep inside their bones. Connor McDavid most of all took the defeat tough: not being able to find himself getting off the ice and accepting the Conn Smythe Trophy. That emotion is just exactly what that game-winning does mean to McDavid and the Oilers.

Meanwhile, the Oilers look to the new season and unfinished business. The fans will be afforded more of the journey as Amazon will feature a behind-the-scenes series with unique insight into Connor McDavid and his teammates. The regular season opener is fast approaching, with every reason for the Oilers' supporters to salivate at what will be pulled out of the hat.

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