Dallas Stars Fire Head Coach Pete Deboer After 3 Seasons

The Dallas Stars fired Head Coach Pete Deboer on Friday morning, marking the end of his tenure in Dallas. Deboer was with the Stars for three seasons, and he had great success making the Western Conference finals every year. It’s tough to imagine how the Stars decided to fire Deboer after the success he had with the team, but there’s a new standard for hockey in Texas with this move. 

Deboer’s Comments About Jake Oettinger Played a Role In Firing

Deboer pulled starting Goalie Jake Oettinger in Game 5 after the goaltender allowed two goals on the first two shots he faced. Whether you agree with the move or not, it seemed aggressive at first glance. On the brink of elimination, however, sometimes being that aggressive is necessary. The problem wasn’t the decision, it was his comments postgame. 

Deboer said, “I didn’t blame it all on Jake, but the reality is, if you go back to last year’s playoffs he’s lost six of seven to Edmonton.” This comment seemed aggressive and sort of came off as punching your starting goaltender when he was down. Dallas Stars GM Jim Nill confirmed at the announcement of the firing that these comments from Deboer played a role in his firing.

The Dallas Stars New Standard 

With the firing of Deboer, there is a new standard in Dallas. The next coach of the Stars will be expected to make the Conference Finals or farther. As much as Deboer’s comments were uncalled for, his leadership on the ice and his team’s success is something that can’t be ignored. It’s going to be hard to find a coach who can go that deep in the playoffs every season, but the GM felt that this move was best for the team. 

The standard is clear for the Dallas Stars. Management believes they’re a Stanley Cup contender, and anything less isn’t good enough. Who knows what moves the team will make, but it’s clear they’re going to a Stanley Cup right now. 

Last Thoughts

The Dallas Stars have all the pieces to win a Stanley Cup. Unfortunately for them, they have to solve the question of how to make it out of the Conference Finals. There’s no clear answer to that besides trying again next year, but they’ve had three straight chances to do that. Maybe a new voice will get them there.