Pete DeBoer and his Dallas Stars made a dramatic exit from the Stanley Cup Playoffs. Afterward, DeBoer made harsh statements about pulling goaltender Jake Oettinger during the elimination game. Now, sources say that Stars players are unhappy with how DeBoer handled the situation and that he might be fired.
The Dallas Stars were eliminated from the Stanley Cup Playoffs by the Edmonton Oilers in five games—a disappointing end to a season in which both the team and the fans had hoped to reach the finals for a chance at their first Stanley Cup since 1999.
Pulled Oettinger
During the final game of their season, Stars goaltender Jake Oettinger allowed two goals on the first two shots he faced, prompting Coach DeBoer to pull him from the net. After the loss, DeBoer did not mince words when speaking to reporters.
”The reality is, if you go back to last year’s playoffs, he’s lost six of seven games to Edmonton, and we gave up two shots on two goals in an elimination game,” DeBoer said. He also admitted that he did not speak to Oettinger after the game, according to Hockey Feed.
Pete DeBoer might be fired
Now, reports are emerging from the Stars’ locker room suggesting that many players were unhappy with how Oettinger was treated and that DeBoer may not return as head coach next season although having one year left on his contract, according to NHL insider David Pagnotta.
“Noise out of Dallas re: Pete DeBoer. Per multiple sources, players are not pleased with how he handled several situations during the WCF, along with post-Game 5 and exit media remarks. Told players voiced concerns during internal exit interviews. DeBoer has one year left on his contract,” Pagnotta wrote on X (formerly Twitter).
Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Final will be played on Wednesday in Edmonton.
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