Peter DeBoer: sixth third-round loss since 2019

It’s worth noting that parity in the NHL has not been the strongest in recent years.

For the sixth year in a row, a Florida club (Lightning from 2020 to 2022 and Panthers since then) is in the finals. The Hurricanes have reached the Final Four twice since 2023, as have the Oilers.

And the Stars? Like the Panthers, they’ve been to the last three Final Fours.

But the difference is that the Panthers are 3-0 since 2023. But the Stars are 0-3. They lost to Vegas in 2023 and to the Oilers (who also have the Kings’ playoff number) since last year.

But there’s more to it than that.

For the sixth time in seven seasons, Peter Deboer (Mr. Match 7) made it to the Western Finals, but was unable to reach the Stanley Cup. He did so with the Sharks (2019), Golden Knights (2020, 2021) and Stars (since 2023).

It’s crazy, too.

Early in his career, he’d already reached the finals twice: with the Devils in 2012 and with the Sharks in 2016. Both times, however, he lost (to the Kings and Penguins) on hockey’s biggest stage.

I wonder how far DeBoer, who is a special guy, will go to see his bosses debate the merits of getting another coach to take him to the next level.

Between you and me, I wouldn’t be completely surprised if a change came about.

What won’t help his cause? His goaltending yesterday. Taking away his regular to give Casey DeSmith the net after only two goals allowed got people talking.

Seeing him evoke Jake Oettinger’s difficulties in front of the cameras certainly didn’t please the main interested party.

While the Oilers make it to the finals, there should be a period of soul-searching in Dallas. After all, the Texan club is an NHL power and has a good base, but…

But there’s something missing.

overtime

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– Really?

– Interesting.

– Incredible.