The end of the Dallas Stars’ playoff run hasn’t just marked the close of another season—it may have sparked a deeper internal conflict. Following their elimination in the Western Conference Final at the hands of the Edmonton Oilers, discontent has reportedly begun to surface inside the Stars’ dressing room.
While frustrations are expected after a hard-fought series loss, this time the tension appears to be aimed inward. Multiple players have reportedly voiced concerns about head coach Peter DeBoer’s decision-making during the series, particularly his handling of starting goaltender Jake Oettinger.
Game 5 was the flashpoint. With Dallas down early, DeBoer made the bold move to pull Oettinger just over seven minutes into the game. While the coach defended it as a necessary spark, it’s clear that many in the locker room didn’t see it that way.
Players reportedly upset with Game 5 Goalie switch
According to a report from The Fourth Period’s David Pagnotta, multiple players brought up DeBoer’s decision to bench Oettinger during their season-ending exit interviews. The criticism reportedly extended beyond just the in-game move and included DeBoer’s public comments after the game and during media availability.
Head coach Peter DeBoer of the Dallas Stars of the Dallas Stars reacts to a call on the ice during Game Six of the Western Conference Final of the 2024 Stanley Cup Playoffs against the Edmonton Oilers at Rogers Place on June 2, 2024, in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. (Photo by Leila Devlin/Getty Images)
“Noise out of Dallas re: Pete DeBoer,” Pagnotta shared on X. “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.”
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The move, made after Oettinger allowed two goals on Oilers’ first two shots, seemed to some players like an unnecessary scapegoating of a goaltender who had battled for them all season. DeBoer, however, stood firm on his reasoning.
“Anytime you pull a goalie, the reasoning is always to try and spark your group,” DeBoer said after the loss. “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.“
Oettinger’s reaction
Jake Oettinger, one of the team’s cornerstones, didn’t hide his disappointment. Speaking during the team’s end-of-season media availability, the 25-year-old netminder admitted the decision caught him completely off guard.
“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.”
A crucial year ahead for DeBoer
For DeBoer, the stakes have never been higher. The veteran coach now enters the final year of his contract amid growing scrutiny. This latest playoff exit marks his third consecutive loss in the Western Conference Final—twice with Dallas and once previously with Vegas.
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Was Peter DeBoer right to pull Jake Oettinger so early in Game 5?
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The offseason now looms as a pivotal stretch not just for roster building, but for internal mending. For Dallas to move forward with confidence, unity between coach and players will be paramount. And as one of the NHL’s most talented rosters stares down another opportunity window, time is quickly becoming a factor.
