Pete DeBoer's relationship with the Dallas Stars started to fracture during the first period of Game Five of the Western Conference Final. Photo: Sam Hodde/Getty Images
The Dallas Stars are realigning after the general manager fired coach Pete DeBoer on Friday.
Why it matters: General manager Jim Nill wants the Stars to win another Stanley Cup. The team made it to the Western Conference Final three straight years under DeBoer's leadership but couldn't get to the final stage.
Friction point: DeBoer was scrutinized for his decision to pull goalie Jake Oettinger about seven minutes into the must-win Game 5 against the Edmonton Oilers. DeBoer was critical of the star goalie during post-game comments, suggesting the goaltender was the sole reason for the loss.
Nill said the coach's decision to change goalies in a must-win game wasn't the reason for the firing, but his comments were a factor.
State of play: The GM reviewed player exit interviews and medical records to decide about DeBoer's future. The head coach had one year left on his four-year contract.
Nill said he plans to keep the rest of the team's coaching staff, who also have a year left on their contracts.
What's next: The team will start scouting coaches this week. Nill said he's open minded about who to select, whether it's a veteran or newer coach.
That could include Neil Graham, who coaches the Texas Stars, Dallas' American Hockey League affiliate.
"All he's done is he's won and he's developed," Nill said Friday.
