Welcome to NHL Rumours! We are just over 24 hours away from the start of the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs. Yet, our rumour today is about a team who got close to the Final, but fell just short in the Western Conference Final. Our rumour looks at the Dallas Stars, who might be dealing with tensions between head coach Pete DeBoer and the players.
NHL Rumours
Tensions in the Dallas Locker Room
Rumour: David Pagnotta, an analysis with the NHL Network, has heard from sources that there are tensions in the Dallas Stars locker room. Players are unhappy with how head coach Peter DeBoer handled situations during the Western Conference Final, as well as his remarks following their elimination and during the exit interview.
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 Gm5 & exit media remarks. Told players voiced concerns during internal exit interviews. DeBoer has 1yr left on his contract.
— David Pagnotta (@TheFourthPeriod) June 2, 2025
Analysis: This has to be a frustrating time to be a Stars fan, player, coach, or member of the front office. The Stars have been eliminated in the Western Conference Finals each of the last three seasons. The Stars roster is consistently talented, yet, they are still seeking success in the third round.
It is understandable that these frustrations are beginning to show. Furthermore, this latest elimination was by far the worst of the three. After rallying to win Game 1, the Stars lost four in a row. Mikko Rantanen, the big trade acquisition from this season who saved the Dallas season in round one, went scoreless in the series. Goaltender Jake Oettinger struggled in the series, giving up at least three goals in each game he completed.
This is where the tensions have arisen.
Game 5 Decision
In Game 5, the Stars found themselves down 2-0 a little over seven minutes into the game. After Oettinger gave up two goals on two shots, DeBoer replaced him with Casey DeSmith. Oettinger was surprised to be pulled, but admitted he was struggling.
“I wasn’t expecting that to happen. It was surprising,” he said. “But the reality is, if I make one or two of those saves, I’d still (be playing) in the game.”
The Controversial Magic Words
Following the Game 5 loss, DeBoer was asked about his decision to pull Oettinger. His response is what has caused tensions to arise.
“Anytime you pull a goalie, the reasoning is always to try and spark your group,” DeBoer said. “Obviously, we were in a 2-0 hole right away, and I didn’t take that lightly and I didn’t blame it all on Jake, but the reality is… he’s lost six of seven games to Edmonton.“
Obviously, it is easy to see how this could ruffle feathers in the Dallas locker room. DeBoer’s comment placed the blame on Oettinger. Many would agree that DeBoer should have stopped his comment after talking about sparking the group.
Problems Between the Pipes
This is not the first time DeBoer has caused controversy in the playoffs with his goaltending decisions. During the 2020 Stanley Cup Playoffs, when DeBoer coached the Vegas Golden Knights, DeBoer benched Marc-Andre Fleury for Robin Lehner. The Golden Knights lost in the Western Conference Final to, coincidentally, the Stars.
What Happens Next?
There is some clearly some reconciliation that needs to occur between DeBoer and the Stars team. It has been less than a week since the team was eliminated, so there may be no reason to jump to conclusions yet. However, DeBoer just have one year left on his contract. Following three-straight losses in the Western Conference Final, the Stars front office might wonder if DeBoer can get the Stars over the hump.
Main Photo: Jerome Miron- Imagn Images
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