thegazelle
Registered User
- Nov 11, 2019
- 321
- 539
Personally, I think this is one of the distinctives that separate the NHL from the other major sports - gestures of goodwill like handshakes and saluting their fans, many of whom have stuck by their team through thick and thin throughout the season.
In a way, it may also be a way for the fans to see the entire team assembled on the ice one last time. Some players may not return, some players may retire, some may be traded, etc. So I think it's a very appropriate way for that iteration of the team to show themselves to their fans one last time.
As the season officially concludes with the losing team's elimination, it's a nice way to thank the fans for coming out, cheering for them, and in a way, it recognizes that they wouldn't be where they were without the fans' support.
In a way, it may also be a way for the fans to see the entire team assembled on the ice one last time. Some players may not return, some players may retire, some may be traded, etc. So I think it's a very appropriate way for that iteration of the team to show themselves to their fans one last time.
As the season officially concludes with the losing team's elimination, it's a nice way to thank the fans for coming out, cheering for them, and in a way, it recognizes that they wouldn't be where they were without the fans' support.