Peter DeBoer is consistently contemplating his approach. Yet, the night before a decisive Game 7, arguably the most successful high-stakes coach in North American sports history is often deciding on a movie rather than dwelling on staying undefeated. Contrary to the image of DeBoer fueled by coffee and reviewing film with his assistants late into the night, that strategic work is completed long before, often beginning days before the series even starts.
DeBoer`s method isn`t tailored specifically for Game 7s but is a process refined over years, although still open to adjustments. His success is rooted in how he interacts with players, the confidence he instills in them, and how he delegates, trusting his assistants to perform their roles without micromanagement.
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 guided Peter DeBoer, who, despite holding a law degree, opted for a coaching career. This choice has led him from a potential life of legal depositions to a profession where he excels at eliminating opponents in winner-take-all scenarios.
DeBoer boasts a perfect 8-0 record in Game 7s. A victory for the Dallas Stars against the Colorado Avalanche on Saturday would extend his record to 9-0 and make him the NHL`s sole all-time leader in Game 7 wins, a title he currently shares with Darryl Sutter.
Until that game, DeBoer will contemplate hockey, but only up to a certain point. Once that threshold is reached, his focus shifts to finding a film – action, comedy, drama, or romantic comedy – anything to achieve a sense of routine before attempting the extraordinary once more.
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,” DeBoer said of his record. “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.
TRUST is a word frequently used by Chandler Stephenson when describing DeBoer`s mastery of Game 7s and his status as a top NHL coach today. One reason DeBoer is considered among the best is his ability to guide teams to rapid success; in his first season with each team he has coached in the playoffs, they have reached the conference finals.
This quick impact was a factor when the Vegas Golden Knights hired DeBoer mid-season in 2019-20. Stephenson, then with the Golden Knights, recalls DeBoer`s knack for explaining his systems clearly without making demands feel imposed.
Stephenson, now playing for the Seattle Kraken, commented that Game 7s bring out everyone`s best effort, requiring focus on one`s own game. But with DeBoer, he explained, there`s belief in his system and the confidence it provides. “He makes guys feel confident and feel good about their game,” Stephenson said, adding that this highlights DeBoer`s quality as a coach who is “also a human being at the same time.”
DeBoer`s human side is evident in the deep bonds his family shares with his assistant coaches, particularly Steve Spott and his wife Lisa. Spott has been with DeBoer since 1997, working together in various leagues. Their families grew close, sharing dinners and holidays.
DeBoer`s oldest son, Jack, noted the closeness: “They`re my brother`s godparents… 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.”
The DeBoer family also shares a strong relationship with assistant coach Misha Donskov and his wife Amy. Donskov worked with DeBoer in Vegas, was promoted by him, and joined the Stars last season, also serving with DeBoer on Team Canada`s coaching staff.
Stars forward Jason Robertson emphasizes that Game 7 success is a collective achievement. “It`s not just Pete,” he said. “It`s the rest of the coaching staff doing their jobs. It`s the leaders in the room. It`s everything.” He pointed out that DeBoer`s teams often have strong veteran presence which aids preparation. Robertson credits Donskov, Spott, and assistant coach Alain Nasreddine for preparing players thoroughly, calling it “definitely a team effort and a team effort on the ice.”
Stars captain Jamie Benn, who has been through two Game 7 wins with DeBoer (vs. Kraken in 2023, vs. Golden Knights in 2024), believes DeBoer`s success stems from his meticulous preparation. DeBoer analyzes the first six games to provide players with a clear plan for the decisive contest.
Despite different opponents, Benn noted DeBoer`s consistent approach of equipping players with detail, making them feel prepared for success. “His track record helps,” Benn said. “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.”
Jason Robertson wasn`t initially aware of DeBoer`s perfect Game 7 record, but learning it later bolstered the team`s confidence ahead of their win against the Golden Knights. Chandler Stephenson reflected on being on the losing side against DeBoer`s Dallas team, acknowledging that DeBoer`s effective system delivers success regardless of which team employs it.
It`s evident from those around him that DeBoer skillfully balances being a demanding coach with being a relatable human, creating a calm atmosphere even when the season hangs in the balance. But is this the sole reason for his eight straight Game 7 wins? Or could a superstition be involved? Specifically, does his consistent choice of wearing a three-piece suit – a look dubbed the “three-Pete suit” – contribute to his success?
DeBoer shared a story about a former video coach asking him not to wear the suit against Calgary, hoping to break his streak. “And I didn`t!” DeBoer recalled. “But we beat them anyway. I`m not sure it helped.”
However, DeBoer admitted that wearing the three-piece suit before Game 7s is subconsciously linked to confidence – the confidence he wants to project to his players. “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,” he explained.
Hockey broadcasts often show coaches intensely focused or actively engaged, creating an impression of being unapproachable or solely devoted to the sport. Abby DeBoer, his daughter, said her friends were initially nervous meeting her dad because of his “stern-looking” appearance and suit. But they soon realize he`s someone who enjoys life and connects easily with others, from his children`s friends to his coaching staff and players.
For him, it`s not about being the loudest person in the room,” Abby noted. “He`s really open to conversation. He`s really open to feedback. He`s really open to collaboration.
Oddly, something DeBoer is reportedly less open about is discussing the specifics of his job with his own children. His sons, Jack and Matt, jokingly say they might get two questions about hockey answered before he steers the conversation elsewhere, even concerning 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, 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.`
DeBoer is quick to redirect praise for his Game 7 success, crediting good fortune, effective assistant coaches who calm the players, and strong team leaders over the years. He emphasizes the preparation drawn from the entire series.
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 stated. “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.
He also highlights the significance of home-ice advantage in these crucial games. Six of his eight Game 7 victories have occurred on home ice, with another as the `home team` in the Edmonton bubble. The Stars host the Avalanche for their Game 7, having won two of three previous games at home in this series.
I always say home ice isn`t important until a Game 7, and I really believe that,” DeBoer affirmed. “I think in Game 7 it is an important advantage.
With a 17-year NHL coaching career, DeBoer`s résumé is already impressive, including 662 regular-season wins (17th all-time) and 91 playoff victories (8th all-time). His tenure in Dallas has seen the Stars reach consecutive Western Conference finals, with a chance for a third straight appearance and potentially winning the franchise`s second Stanley Cup, which would be DeBoer`s first.
As the playoffs intensify, DeBoer might find himself in another Game 7. This prompted a question about why his teams sometimes don`t close out series earlier in five or six games.
Oh, for sure! That`s the funny part of it,” he responded with a laugh. “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.
Rupert Hartwell