Dallas Stars Coach Sets NHL Record with Game 7 Comeback Win

DALLAS — The Dallas Stars rallied to defeat the Colorado Avalanche 4-2 in Game 7 of their Western Conference First Round series Saturday, led by a historic performance from forward Mikko Rantanen. The win marked Stars coach Pete DeBoer’s ninth victory in a Game 7, setting a new NHL record for most Game 7 wins without a loss.

Trailing 2-0 entering the third period, the Stars faced elimination with minutes to spare. However, Rantanen scored three goals and added an assist in a stunning comeback that took place in just under ten minutes. His hat trick was a first for any player in NHL history to score in the third period of a Game 7.

“There’s a belief in that room that something was going to happen, and obviously Rantanen put the team on his back in the last 10 minutes,” DeBoer said. He praised the team for their resilience in facing adversity throughout the season.

This latest victory comes after the Stars found themselves down after a short-handed goal by Colorado’s Josh Manson and another score from Nathan MacKinnon early in the third period. However, Rantanen’s first goal ignited the home crowd, shifting the momentum for Dallas.

“I never felt we were going to lose, even when it was 2-0,” DeBoer added, reflecting on the team’s unwavering confidence despite the deficit.

The Stars scored four goals in the final eight minutes of the game, culminating with an empty-net goal by Rantanen to seal the 4-2 victory. “You can’t write it up any better than that,” Stars goaltender Jake Oettinger said, hailing Rantanen’s decisive performance.

DeBoer, who has coached the Stars, San Jose Sharks, Vegas Golden Knights, and New Jersey Devils during his career, has now won 92 playoff games, placing him first among active NHL coaches. His ability to excel in high-pressure situations has been praised widely.

“It’s super impressive,” said Stars center Wyatt Johnston. “For him to be able to come out on top of every single one he’s been in so far, it’s pretty cool.”

The Stars will now face the Winnipeg Jets in the next round, another challenge that DeBoer looks forward to. “I think this group is pretty special,” he said. “They keep answering the doubters. I felt something was going to happen, but I could not have predicted that,” he concluded, reflecting on a game filled with unforgettable moments.