After the Dallas Stars' disappointing loss to the Edmonton Oilers in the Western Conference Finals, coach Pete DeBoer shared his insights on what went wrong.
In an interview with Sportsradio 96.7 FM/1310 The Ticket (KTCK-AM), DeBoer reflected on Game 4, where the Stars held a 2-1 series lead. They started strong with a two-goal lead in the first period, looking like they had control of the series. "We also had a bunch of breakaways at different points that we didn’t finish to extend leads. And they hung around. They have the two best players in the world. And I thought right through Game 4, you know, the special teams, we had held them in check,” DeBoer commented.
Here are some key highlights from that pivotal game:
- The Oilers scored five consecutive goals, turning the tide in their favor.
- Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl, the "two best players in the world," combined for a goal and three assists, making a huge impact.
Stars players like Jamie Benn have been inspired by their American Airlines Center co-tenants, the Dallas Mavericks. DeBoer drew parallels between the two teams, saying, “When you get to the final four, those are the moments, just like in the NBA. What the Mavs big guys did in the conference final, Kyrie and Doncic. That’s what the best players in the world live for.”
One unforgettable moment was Connor McDavid's toe-drag goal around Stars defenseman Miro Heiskanen, leaving everyone, including DeBoer, baffled. “It’s those incredible plays that can change the course of a series,” DeBoer remarked.
Looking ahead, the Stars face another pre-Stanley Cup Final exit and will need to rethink their roster, especially with the news that Joe Pavelski may have played his last game. Meanwhile, the Oilers' stars are set to make their Stanley Cup Final debuts on Saturday, eager to showcase their talent on the biggest stage.
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