Peter DeBoer is known for his strategic thinking, especially the night before a crucial Game 7. However, the coach often regarded as one of North American sports` best in high-stakes situations isn`t fixated on tactics; instead, he`s more likely deciding on a movie to watch, prioritizing relaxation over obsessing about his remarkable undefeated Game 7 record.
Contrary to popular belief, the night before a Game 7 isn`t spent with DeBoer fueled by coffee and dissecting game film with his assistants. Their intensive preparation begins much earlier, typically days before the series even starts, long before a decisive seventh game is on the horizon.
DeBoer`s method isn`t solely dependent on the Game 7 context. It`s a process refined over several years, though still open to adjustments. His approach is grounded in how he communicates with players, focusing on building their confidence. It dictates his overall coaching philosophy, including knowing when to empower his assistants by giving them space to work without constant oversight.
His core principle is straightforward: Be deliberate, but avoid overthinking.
“I think players want two or three things they can concentrate on,” DeBoer explained. “Otherwise, the picture becomes muddy, and that tends to slow your processing down.”
This philosophy has shaped George Peter DeBoer, who chose a coaching career despite earning a law degree. While he could have pursued law, becoming a coach has led him from a potential life of depositions to a career where he excels at eliminating opponents in winner-take-all games.
DeBoer boasts an impressive 8-0 record in all-time Game 7s. This record could improve to 9-0 if the Dallas Stars defeat the Colorado Avalanche. A victory wouldn`t just send the Stars to the next round; it would make DeBoer the sole NHL leader in Game 7 wins, a distinction he currently shares with Darryl Sutter.
Until that game? DeBoer will consider hockey strategy, but only up to a point. Once that limit is reached, his focus shifts to selecting a movie – be it action, comedy, drama, or rom-com – seeking a sense of normalcy before attempting the extraordinary, once again.
“It`s crazy and I`m sure when I`m done and looking back, it`s going to be one of the things I`m really proud of, and I`m going to tell my grandkids about it hopefully,” DeBoer said regarding his Game 7 success. “I feel fortunate because I know how hard those players have played in those situations for me and how much work has gone into winning those. Also, how hard the staffs I`ve had have worked, because they don`t get enough credit for that.”
Chandler Stephenson frequently uses the word “trust” when discussing what makes DeBoer exceptional in Game 7s and one of the leading head coaches in the current NHL era.
One factor contributing to DeBoer`s status among elite coaches is his ability to achieve success rapidly. In every team`s first season under his guidance in the playoffs, they have reached the conference finals.
This track record influenced the Vegas Golden Knights` decision to hire DeBoer mid-season in 2019-20. Stephenson, a Golden Knight at the time, noted that DeBoer effectively communicated his systems and expectations without making players feel constrained.
“I think that kind of goes into a Game 7. Game 7s are Game 7s,” commented Stephenson, now with the Seattle Kraken. “You`re getting everybody`s best, and you`re focusing on yourself. But for him, he has that belief in his system and that you can trust it, it can work, and he makes guys feel confident and feel good about their game. It shows the kind of coach that he is … but he`s also a human being at the same time.”
DeBoer`s human side is evident in the way his children speak about his assistant, Steve Spott, whom they affectionately call “Uncle Steve.”
Spott`s relationship with DeBoer dates back to 1997 when DeBoer coached the Plymouth Whalers in the OHL. They continued working together with the Kitchener Rangers and reunited in 2015 with the San Jose Sharks.
Abby DeBoer recalled how her mother, Susan, and Steve`s wife, Lisa, would host family dinners in Kitchener, regardless of whether the team was home or away. The DeBoer family eventually spent holidays like Christmas and Thanksgiving with the Spotts and other assistants who became like family.
“They`re my brother`s godparents and their son, Tyler, is my best friend,” said Jack DeBoer, Peter`s oldest son. “They have a daughter who is friends with my sister. It`s almost like having another aunt and uncle and another brother and sister. We`re that close. I think if you have that, the stuff at the rink and camaraderie and those Game 7 wins, they come when you have a lot of respect for the people you work with, and your families are as close as they are.”
Jack, who played college hockey, mentioned the DeBoer family also shares a strong bond with assistant coach Misha Donskov and his wife, Amy. Peter DeBoer and Donskov worked together in Vegas, where DeBoer promoted Donskov to assistant coach. Donskov joined the Stars last season and was also part of the Team Canada coaching staff with DeBoer.
“It`s not just Pete,” Stars forward Jason Robertson stated. “It`s the rest of the coaching staff doing their jobs. It`s the leaders in the room. It`s everything. I`d like to say the majority of his teams have been heavy on veterans, and that goes a long way with preparation. But Mish, Spotter, [Stars assistant coach Alain Nasreddine] all do a great job of preparing players in each way. It`s definitely a team effort and a team effort on the ice.”
Stars captain Jamie Benn feels that DeBoer`s success in Game 7s stems from his meticulous approach, considering every detail. Benn noted that DeBoer compiles extensive notes throughout the series, providing players with a comprehensive plan for winning the decisive game.
Benn has experienced two Game 7s under DeBoer: a win against the Kraken in 2023 and another against the defending champion Golden Knights in 2024. Despite different opponents, Benn said DeBoer`s constant focus was on providing detailed preparation that left the players feeling well-equipped for success.
“His track record helps,” Benn acknowledged. “In the end, he wants us to go out there, have fun and play. Just play our system the right way with details. He boosts his players up for those moments, and we`ve succeeded.”
Robertson recalled that while he wasn`t initially aware of DeBoer`s Game 7 history before facing the Kraken, knowing about it later instilled greater confidence in the team for their subsequent Game 7 against the Golden Knights.
For the Golden Knights, Stephenson described the experience of going from winning Game 7s with DeBoer to being on the losing side against him. “It was a little bit of, we know his system and what he wants to do, but it`s such a good system that he runs that it gives Dallas success,” Stephenson said. “It gave us success and all the teams he coached success, because that`s what you should want, and that`s how you should want to play the game.”
Speaking with those close to him confirms that DeBoer masterfully balances his roles as coach and human being, using both to create a sense of calm and ease among his players and staff when their season is on the line.
But is this the sole reason for his perfect 8-0 Game 7 record? Or is there an element of superstition? Specifically, could his consistent choice to wear a three-piece suit in Game 7s – giving rise to the nickname “three-Pete suit” – be a factor?
“My first video coach was a guy named Jamie Pringle… We played Calgary on this road trip, and he texted me before the game, `Do me a favor. We`re fighting for a playoff spot. Don`t wear the three-piece suit!` And I didn`t! But we beat them anyway. I`m not sure it helped,” DeBoer shared.
DeBoer admitted that he subconsciously considers wearing the three-piece suit for Game 7s, linking it to the confidence he aims to project in the dressing room.
“The players really read off you, and it`s a composure, quiet confidence that`s even more critical when you get into those do-or-die situations,” DeBoer explained.
NHL broadcasts often show coaches with intense expressions, leading to a perception that they are unapproachable or solely focused on hockey. Abby DeBoer noted that friends were sometimes nervous meeting her dad initially due to his “stern-looking” appearance in a suit. However, upon getting to know him and realizing he enjoys life, they see how he connects with everyone, from his children`s friends to his coaching staff and players.
“For him, it`s not about being the loudest person in the room or having your voice heard and everyone immediately following,” Abby said. “He`s really open to conversation. He`s really open to feedback. He`s really open to collaboration.”
Interestingly, DeBoer`s children say he is hesitant to discuss details of his job with them. Jack and Matt joked that they might get answers to only two questions before he redirects the conversation away from the rink. This includes Game 7s.
“I kind of wish I could maybe hear a little more from him sometimes but he`s pretty, `Keep hockey at the rink,` especially with those Game 7s,” said Matt, his son who plays college hockey. “He`s a calm person. He doesn`t really like to talk about himself or what`s going on at the rink. When he`s home, it`s, `Let`s watch a movie or let`s talk about your hockey life.`”
When asked about his Game 7 success, DeBoer is quick to credit others – luck in winning those games under various conditions, supportive assistants who ease player tension, and the team leaders he`s had. “Through seven games, we try to present a really clear picture to our group over and over again of what`s working and what isn`t,” DeBoer said. “I`d like to think that by Game 7 of a series that our guys have a really clear picture of how we want to execute or what we want to do.”
DeBoer also acknowledges the significant role of home-ice advantage in his Game 7 victories. Six of his eight wins have occurred at home, with one being the `home team` in the Edmonton bubble. The Stars host the Avalanche in their upcoming Game 7, having won two of the three games played there in this series.
“I always say home ice isn`t important until a Game 7, and I really believe that,” DeBoer stated. “I think in Game 7 it is an important advantage.”
With a 17-year NHL coaching career, DeBoer`s current playoff run could further solidify his already impressive resume. He ranks 17th all-time in regular-season wins (662) and eighth in playoff victories (91). His tenure in Dallas has seen the Stars reach consecutive Western Conference finals. Advancing past the Avalanche would mark a third straight trip, bringing them closer to winning the franchise`s second Stanley Cup – which would be DeBoer`s first.
As the playoffs progress and matchups become tighter, there`s a possibility DeBoer could face another Game 7 after Saturday. This led to a follow-up question about his remarkable record: Why can`t his teams manage to close out series earlier, in five or six games?
“Oh, for sure! That`s the funny part of it,” he responded. “I get all this credit for winning Game 7s, but I`ve lost a lot of series in Games 4, 5 and 6 too over the years. You`re never as smart as you think you are.”
