The Dallas Stars’ pursuit of a championship came to a close in the Western Conference Final, as the team fell to the Edmonton Oilers in a five-game series. Despite opening strong with a commanding win in Game 1, the Stars were unable to carry momentum forward and saw their season end on home ice.
The Oilers capitalized on key moments throughout the series, ultimately securing a 6-3 win in Game 5 to earn their return to the Stanley Cup Final. Once again, they’ll meet the Florida Panthers—a rematch of last year’s Final that stretched to a decisive seventh game. The Oilers now hope to reverse last season’s outcome and claim the franchise’s first championship since 1990.
From the Stars’ bench, head coach Pete DeBoer was reflective, recognizing the quality of the two teams advancing while facing questions about the choices that shaped his team’s postseason exit.
DeBoer on Oilers vs. Panthers:
Following the Stars’ elimination, DeBoer spoke with reporters and offered his perspective on the Stanley Cup Final matchup. “There’s no doubt the two best teams are playing for the Cup,’’ he said in comments shared by The Dallas Morning News. “No doubt.”
Connor McDavid #97 of the Edmonton Oilers scores a goal against Casey DeSmith #1 of the Dallas Stars during the second period in Game Five of the Western Conference Final of the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs at American Airlines Center on May 29, 2025 in Dallas, Texas. (Photo by Steph Chambers/Getty Images)
The remark came as Edmonton prepares to take on Florida in a repeat of last year’s Final—a rare back-to-back showdown between two franchises that have built their identities on contrasting strengths: the Oilers’ explosive offense and the Panthers’ structured, physical style.
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Offseason questions loom for Dallas
The Stars enter the summer with a strong core but significant questions. With back-to-back deep playoff runs ending in disappointment, the organization will assess both roster construction and coaching direction in the weeks ahead.
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While DeBoer’s recognition of the Panthers and Oilers highlights a level of respect for the Final matchup, it also underscores the urgency for Dallas to determine how to take the next step. As Oilers and Stars prepare to battle for the Cup, the Stars will watch from the outside—again left wondering what more could have been done.
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