(Dallas) Dallas Stars head coach Pete DeBoer retired his goaltender twice in seven games in the National Hockey League Western Conference semi-final series against the Seattle Kraken .
Jake Oettinger did not see these decisions as a sign of panic. In fact, it’s quite the opposite which helps explain why DeBoer has a perfect record in the seventh playoff games as head coach, believes the 24-year-old goaltender.
“I think if your head coach freaks out and hits the panic button every time you lose, I think that affects the squad,” Oettinger said. He is the exact opposite of that. »
DeBoer improved to 7-0 in drawdowns following the Stars’ 2-1 win over the Kraken on Monday. He also became the third head coach to lead four different clubs to victory in Game 7.
The Vegas Golden Knights are one such team, and the Stars will meet them in the Western Conference Finals starting Friday night in Las Vegas.
DeBoer was fired as head coach with the Golden Knights after the team missed the playoffs last season.
“There’s a lot to unpack here,” DeBoer said, chuckling. I think we’ll enjoy tonight (Monday) and we’ll talk about it later. »
The only head coach in North America’s big four professional leagues to win more seventh games without ever losing is Red Auerbach, who went 8-0 in similar circumstances with the Boston Celtics of the NBA. .
Oettinger’s outs in a 7-2 loss in Game 3 and then a 6-3 loss in Game 6 were nothing but resets. There was no doubt that Oettinger would be back in the net in the next game, and each time he came out on top.
“It’s something I appreciate about Jake who I think is our calming presence for our team in the way he plays,” DeBoer reacted when told of Oettinger’s comments on the calm he displays.
“As a head coach, that’s something you learn,” added DeBoer.
“I think coming into the league, you’re fiery and excited and realize that you can have more impact by reacting wisely and being a calming presence when there’s a lot of chaos. »
DeBoer became the first head coach to lead four different teams to a conference final in his first campaign at the helm. He also needs to win another series to lead a third club to the Stanley Cup Finals in his debut with the club in question.
“In a seventh game, there’s a lot of emotion,” DeBoer said. The guys are pumped up. There is no one who is not ready to play and give his all. They know what is at stake. »
The other two head coaches to win Game 7s with four different teams are Darryl Sutter (Chicago, San Jose, Calgary and Los Angeles) and Scotty Bowman (St. Louis, Montreal, Pittsburgh and Detroit).
Sutter and Bowman have both won the Stanley Cup more than once. DeBoer, at the age of 54, is looking for his first.