Game 5 of the NHL’s Western Conference Finals did not go well for the Dallas Stars on Friday, who fell 3-1 to the Edmonton Oilers, putting the Stars on the brink of elimination. After the game, coach Pete DeBoer was in no mood to answer a question that he thought took a shot at his team’s character.
Dallas was locked in a scoreless tie with the Edmonton Oilers for much of the first period on Friday. But in the later stages of the period, Edmonton got on the board with a power play goal from Ryan Nugent-Hopkins. While the score remained 1-0 for the rest of the first period, the Oilers struck twice early in the second period with a second goal from Nugent-Hopkins and later a goal from Philip Broberg giving Edmonton a 3-0 just over five minutes into the period.
The score stayed at 3-0 for the rest of the period and while Dallas got on the board with a goal from Wyatt Johnston late in the third period, the Stars didn’t mount a serious comeback attempt. They lost the game and now trail 3-2 in the series. Following the game, Tim Cowlishaw of The Dallas Morning News asked DeBoer about the team’s effort in the second period.
“As much as you’re praising the Oilers, did you not think it was kind of a lifeless second period for your team? After falling behind and just kind of putting no pressure on them at all,” Cowlishaw inquired.
And while DeBoer’s response was initially mild, he quickly voiced frustration with the question.
“Listen, there’s always things you can do better,” DeBoer said. “You know, you can sit here and question our character if you want. You haven’t been around all year. I haven’t seen you here all year.”
After Cowlishaw seemingly denied that he was questioning the character of the Stars (though his comments weren’t audible), DeBoer’s frustration continued.
“Write whatever the f*** you want” | Dallas Stars Pete DeBoer did NOT appreciate DMN columnist Tim Cowlishaw’s question 😲
More DeBoer, Stars players Game 5 reaction here: https://t.co/gainXKceb4 #TexasHockey pic.twitter.com/xWowKBOrGz
— WFAA (@wfaa) June 1, 2024
“Well you are, that’s what you’re doing,” the coach added. “So, you know, I’m not gonna do it. You go ahead and write whatever the **** you want.”
While the Stars’ season is not over, the loss did plant their backs firmly against the wall. Dallas now must-win Game 6 in Edmonton on Sunday to keep the series going. Game 7, if necessary, would be played on Tuesday night.
[WFAA on X, Photo Credit: Dallas Stars (via WFAA/X)]
