The cat's out of the bag, as it appears Vegas and Toronto (probably, maybe?) will be the host cities for the NHL's return.
We've already begun previewing the actual games, but here's a completely stupid thing to chew on: What's going to happen to the handshake line at the end of each series?
The handshake line, if you're unfamiliar, is when hockey teams line up at the end of a playoff series and shake hands, kind of like you do when you're kids. It's taken more seriously though, so instead of "good game, good game, good game," they elaborate a bit. It's usually very nice, except when it isn't. Bruins fans will know what I mean there.
Anyway, hockey fans REALLY like the handshake line. I can't say for sure, but I believe Doc Emrick says something like "and here it is" as the players begin to line up. The most emotional of puckheads will even tell you it's the best moment in sports, which I think is silly, but I'm not judging.
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Anyway, those fans are probably going to be pretty heartbroken when the NHL resumes if and when they decide against skin-to-skin contact between the players. In such a scenario, handshake line diehards won't just be sad to not see their favorite tradition, they'll also feel rather silly when they realize the sport doesn't miss it. Of all the reasons we'll have to throw an asterisk on this season, "didn't properly shake hands" won't be high on the list.
So what happens in its place? The obvious answer would be to just have the guys do fist bumps or something, but in an age of virtual crowd noise, we could also get nuts. Some options:
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- Before a potential elimination game, both teams submit a video tribute to the other team to be shown on the scoreboard at the series' conclusion. Fans can then vote on NHL.com which team came off as more gracious. American Idol style. Unlimited votes.
- Mic'd up rap session: Each team gathers at its own blue line (like for a national anthem) and shouts nice things to each other from across the ice. Only one person can talk at a time. Players who shout over others are ordered off the ice one by one until one final sweet, sweet man is standing.
- Handshake line fakeout: Both teams are told that there will be a traditional handshake line, hand contact and all. However, after extending his hand, the first person in line for the winning team says "sike!" and runs his hand through his hair, embarrassing the first person in line for the losing team. The winning team then hurries off the ice to avoid further confrontation.
Now, they'll probably just go with the gloved fist bump thing, but whatever. Now we can add "handshake line article" to the silly things that have come from our sports-less boredom.