Pete DeBoer’s coaching record speaks for itself: a winning playoff track record, Game 7 dominance, and an uncanny ability to guide teams deep into the postseason
While the Stanley Cup has remained out of reach so far, it’s clear that DeBoer has all the tools, experience, and tactical acumen to win it.
With the Dallas Stars firmly in the championship conversation, DeBoer’s best chance to claim hockey’s ultimate prize might be just around the corner.
Until then, his legacy as one of the NHL’s top playoff coaches—especially in Game 7s—continues to grow.
Saturday’s victory over the Colorado Avalanche was more than just another playoff win — it was a historic moment in NHL coaching history.
Pete DeBoer’s perfect Game 7 record now stands at 9-0, a benchmark of excellence that spans across sports.
The Dallas Stars, led by DeBoer’s steady hand and contributions from rising stars like Wyatt Johnston and seasoned veterans like Mikko Rantanen, are now just one step away from the Stanley Cup Final.
In a postseason filled with drama and unpredictability, the one constant seems to be Pete DeBoer’s Game 7 magic.
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Pete DeBoer Sets Game 7 Record with Latest Win Over Colorado Avalanche
Dallas Stars head coach Pete DeBoer etched his name into sports history on Saturday night, guiding his team to a 4-2 comeback victory over the Colorado Avalanche in Game 7 of their second-round playoff series.1
With the win, DeBoer not only helped the Stars advance to the Western Conference Final but also broke a remarkable record, solidifying his legacy as one of the most clutch coaches in North American professional sports.
With Saturday night’s win, Pete DeBoer now boasts a 9-0 record in Game 7s, making him the winningest coach in such situations across the NHL, NBA, and MLB.
His perfect mark of 9-0 is unmatched in the pressure-packed environment of winner-takes-all games, an incredible feat considering the mental and physical strain these contests bring.
No other coach across the three major North American sports leagues has come close to that level of dominance in Game 7s.
also, I cannot believe Peter Harrold didn’t make the US squad. Are you kidding me @Burkie2020 ?
— Pete DeBoer (@DeBoerPete) January 8, 2014
A Gutsy Comeback Victory in Dallas
DeBoer’s unbeaten record includes victories with multiple teams, including the San Jose Sharks, New Jersey Devils, Vegas Golden Knights, and now the Dallas Stars. His calm demeanor, meticulous preparation, and ability to make mid-series adjustments have been key elements in his success.
Saturday’s Game 7 started ominously for the Stars. The Avalanche, playing with speed and urgency, grabbed an early 2-0 lead by the midway point of the second period.
At that moment, it looked as though Colorado would continue their run and end Dallas’s playoff hopes.
But DeBoer’s Stars didn’t panic.
Instead, they responded with poise and resilience. Goals from Roope Hintz and Jason Robertson brought the game level before a crucial power play goal by young forward Wyatt Johnston put Dallas ahead.
Johnston, who continues to shine in high-pressure scenarios, capitalized on a man advantage and fired a wrist shot past Colorado goalie Alexandar Georgiev.
Pete DeBoer’s Blueprint
Building Game 7 Confidence
What makes Pete DeBoer’s Game 7 record so remarkable is his consistency in getting his teams ready to compete when the stakes are highest.2
In a league where momentum swings rapidly and pressure is unrelenting, DeBoer has repeatedly instilled confidence and composure in his locker rooms.
His players speak frequently about the calm energy he brings before pivotal games.
Rather than overloading his team with data or intense speeches, DeBoer focuses on clear communication, structured systems, and mental preparation. That formula has proven to be gold in do-or-die scenarios.
The Avalanche Fall Short Again
For the Colorado Avalanche, the Game 7 loss marks another disappointing early exit from the playoffs.
Despite entering the postseason with high expectations and a loaded roster led by Nathan MacKinnon and Cale Makar, Colorado failed to close out the series after taking a 3-2 lead.
The loss raises questions about the Avalanche’s depth and consistency. Injuries played a role, as they have in past years, but the team’s inability to hold a two-goal lead in a Game 7 is sure to sting throughout the offseason.
Head coach Jared Bednar will be under pressure to reassess strategies and make adjustments moving forward.
A Legacy Cemented for Pete DeBoer
While coaches are often judged by Stanley Cup rings, Pete DeBoer’s Game 7 record sets him apart in a unique and elite category.
His ability to rise to the occasion time and again has turned him into a trusted leader and master tactician.
With each Game 7 victory, DeBoer continues to write a legacy built on preparation, adaptability, and nerves of steel.
It’s no longer a coincidence — it’s a pattern, and one that has brought his teams within reach of hockey’s ultimate prize.
Pete DeBoer ’s Record-Breaking Game 7 Wins
Let’s take a look at Pete DeBoer’s nine Game 7 victories:
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2012 – New Jersey Devils vs. Florida Panthers (First Round)
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2014 – San Jose Sharks vs. Los Angeles Kings (First Round)
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2016 – San Jose Sharks vs. Nashville Predators (Second Round)
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2016 – San Jose Sharks vs. St. Louis Blues (Conference Final)
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2019 – San Jose Sharks vs. Vegas Golden Knights (First Round)
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2019 – San Jose Sharks vs. Colorado Avalanche (Second Round)
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2020 – Vegas Golden Knights vs. Vancouver Canucks (Second Round)
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2023 – Dallas Stars vs. Seattle Kraken (Second Round)
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2025 – Dallas Stars vs. Colorado Avalanche (Second Round)
This list is a testament to DeBoer’s ability to keep his teams composed under the most intense pressure, often against elite opposition.
What’s Next for the Stars?
Following their triumph over the Avalanche, the Dallas Stars now await the winner of another thrilling second-round series between the Winnipeg Jets and St. Louis Blues.
That series is also heading to a Game 7, scheduled for Sunday night in Winnipeg. Both potential opponents present unique challenges for the Stars.
If the Jets emerge victorious, Dallas will have to contend with their strong goaltending and physical style of play. A matchup against the Blues would present a more methodical, defense-first battle.
Either way, the Stars will enter the Western Conference Final with confidence, armed with the leadership of a coach who simply doesn’t lose Game 7s.
Stars Fans Dreaming Big
The city of Dallas has rallied behind its hockey team in recent weeks, and with good reason.
The Stars are playing fast, aggressive, and smart hockey. With depth at every position, strong goaltending, and a record-setting coach behind the bench, the Stars are primed for a deep run.
As the Western Conference Final looms, fans are already daring to believe that this might be the year.
If Pete DeBoer’s history is any indication, Dallas might just be on its way to the Stanley Cup Final.
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Pete DeBoer’s Unmatched Record Under Pressure
Pete DeBoer has carved out a reputation as one of the most battle-tested and consistent head coaches in the National Hockey League (NHL).3
While he has yet to hoist the Stanley Cup, DeBoer’s performance in high-pressure playoff situations—particularly in Game 7 showdowns—is nothing short of impressive.
With a career that spans over 1,200 regular-season games and nearly 170 postseason contests, DeBoer continues to chase hockey’s ultimate prize with the Dallas Stars.
A Cup-Caliber Team in Dallas
The 2024-25 Dallas Stars boast a roster built for a championship run.
With stars like Jason Robertson, Roope Hintz, and Miro Heiskanen leading the way—and backed by a reliable goaltending tandem—Dallas is among the NHL’s most balanced and dangerous teams.
DeBoer has managed to strike the right balance between youth and experience, offense and defense, aggression and discipline. If there’s ever a time for him to finally lift the Cup, this season presents perhaps his best opportunity yet.
How DeBoer Stacks Up Historically
In terms of postseason wins, Pete DeBoer is among the most accomplished active coaches in the NHL. His 91 playoff wins rank him just behind elite company like Jon Cooper, Mike Sullivan, and Peter Laviolette.
His multiple trips to the Stanley Cup Final and deep playoff experience across several franchises highlight his ability to adapt and succeed with various rosters and playing styles.
Even without a Cup ring, DeBoer’s playoff achievements make him one of the most respected minds behind the bench today.
Pete DeBoer’s Coaching Career
Born in Dunnville, Ontario, DeBoer began his NHL coaching career with the Florida Panthers in 2008.
Over the years, he has helmed four different franchises: the Florida Panthers, New Jersey Devils, San Jose Sharks, Vegas Golden Knights, and now, the Dallas Stars. Known for his ability to quickly turn teams into contenders, DeBoer has led multiple teams to deep playoff runs.
With over 1,200 regular-season games coached and a winning record in the playoffs (91-76), DeBoer has shown that he can consistently produce results.
Despite bouncing between teams, his system—built on structure, discipline, and defensive responsibility—has remained a hallmark of his success.
The Dallas Stars Era: A Perfect Game 7 Record
Since taking over the Dallas Stars in 2022, DeBoer has continued his Game 7 magic. In his first postseason with the Stars, DeBoer’s squad edged out the Seattle Kraken in a tightly contested seven-game series during the 2023 Stanley Cup Playoffs.
He followed that performance with another dramatic Game 7 victory, this time over the Vegas Golden Knights in the first round of the 2024 playoffs.
This recent win marked the second consecutive year that DeBoer’s Stars survived a grueling seven-game series in the opening round.
Notably, both years featured a Stars win in Game 7 to eliminate a dangerous opponent—first the Kraken, then the defending champion Golden Knights.
Defeating Familiar Foes: DeBoer vs. Former Teams
One interesting wrinkle in DeBoer’s recent playoff narrative is his ability to beat teams he previously coached. The 2024 victory over the Vegas Golden Knights was particularly symbolic, as DeBoer was fired by the team in 2022 despite a relatively successful tenure.
This trend extends beyond Vegas. In both of his first two seasons with the Stars, DeBoer has engineered victories against the Colorado Avalanche and Seattle Kraken—teams that represent some of the toughest matchups in the Western Conference.
Whether it’s tactical adjustments or motivation from past firings, DeBoer seems to thrive against familiar opposition.
A Proven Game 7 Specialist
Few NHL coaches have been as successful in Game 7 situations as Pete DeBoer. With the Stars, he currently holds a perfect 3-0 record in Game 7s.
Across his entire coaching career, DeBoer has tallied seven Game 7 wins, tying him with legendary names in NHL history.
Here’s a quick breakdown of DeBoer’s Game 7 record by team:
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Dallas Stars: 3-0
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San Jose Sharks: 3-1
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Vegas Golden Knights: 1-1
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New Jersey Devils: 1-0
That brings his all-time Game 7 record to 8-2, an outstanding 80% win percentage. In a league where Game 7s are often decided by razor-thin margins, DeBoer’s ability to prepare his team and win in the most intense circumstances is an invaluable asset.
While DeBoer has found sustained playoff success, the Stanley Cup has continued to elude him. His first trip to the Final came in 2012 with the New Jersey Devils, where his team lost in six games to the Los Angeles Kings.
Four years later, he led the San Jose Sharks to their first Stanley Cup Final appearance in franchise history, only to fall to the Pittsburgh Penguins, also in six games.
In both instances, DeBoer’s teams showed remarkable resilience and a well-structured game plan. However, both series saw his teams eventually worn down by deeper, more experienced opponents.
Despite those setbacks, DeBoer’s resume includes multiple conference finals and two trips to the ultimate stage, a feat that many coaches never achieve.
