Dallas Stars Peter DeBoer Speaks on Gut-Wrenching Loss

The Dallas Stars got off to a great start in the Western Conference Finals. They had a 2-1 lead heading into Game 4 after picking up a win on the road in Game 3. Unfortunately, Game 3 would be the last time Peter DeBoer and the Stars defeated the Edmonton Oilers.

They would end up losing three straight games to close out the series, getting eliminated in six, one step short of the Stanley Cup Finals. It was certainly a disappointing end to what was an excellent season for the Dallas Stars.

Dallas had the most points in the Western Conference with 113 during the regular season. Only the New York Rangers, who also blew a 2-1 lead in the Eastern Conference Finals, had more with 114.

“Proud of our group, proud of our fight, proud of our battle,” Peter DeBoer said. “You’re just gutted. They did leave everything out there. We should be going to play a Game 7; we’re not. You have to give Edmonton credit. Their power play, particularly over the last two games, was good, their goaltender was good. It’s fine lines when you get to this point of the year, and they were on the right side of it. … It’s tough to swallow.”

More often than not, the Dallas Stars would be on the right side of those fine lines. They did themselves no favors, as they lost every Game 1 of this year’s playoffs, extending their wild streak. 

They would bounce back and it looked as if they were going to do the same against Edmonton. But, it wasn’t meant to be. Their offense went cold at the end of the series, scoring only four goals in the last three losses after having 10 in the first three games.

It will be interesting to see what moves the front office makes this offseason. The Dallas Stars have now been defeated in the Western Conference Finals two years in a row. What can Peter DeBoer and the team to do get over the hump next year? We will have to wait and see what adjustments and roster moves are made.