👋 Hello, friends.
In some cases, like for Stars fans currently, Deja Vu can feel cruel. The Stars have now experienced a familiar end for three straight seasons, encompassing the entire Pete DeBoer experience in Dallas.
Are the Stars on the brink of the Stanley Cup? Or are they reaching from the bars of the cage, doomed to never break through?
If fans are wondering the latter, I don’t blame them. — Joseph Hoyt
Deja Vu
May 29, 2025; Dallas, Texas, USA; Edmonton Oilers center Connor McDavid (97) celebrates after he scores a goal against the Dallas Stars during the third period in game five of the Western Conference Final of the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs at American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images
In an elimination game – especially with the deficit the Stars were facing – it’s important to see a sign of hope. It’s vital for something positive to happen early.
Instead, as our Sam Nestler noted in his postgame story, any chance of that was gone quickly.
This was pretty much the worst 10-15 minutes I’ve seen Dallas play all season and in quite a long time.
A careless Mavrik Bourque high-sticking penalty and out-of-sorts penalty kill allowed Edmonton to go up 1-0 almost immediately. Then Mattias Janmark quickly made it 2-0, and after a Dallas timeout, Stars coach Pete DeBoer made a shocking move, replacing Jake Oettinger with Casey DeSmith.
To be clear, the goals and score were not on Oettinger. This was a Hail Mary move from DeBoer to change something before this game got completely away from his group.
DeBoer said he tried to manufacture that spark by pulling Otter. The move, ultimately, was to no avail.
It’s hard not to wonder what happens next for these Stars. Jamie Benn is an unrestricted free agent. DeBoer has had success in each of his previous two stops but has been fired both times – would the Stars, after three straight trips to the Western Conference Finals, be willing to make that move, too?
We’ll see moving forward.
Let’s end on a positive note, though.
Sam noted this at the bottom of his recap.
What an amazing first year here at DLLS. All of you fans and DieHards not only made this possible, but made it so dang fun. Thank you for all of your support, chats, conversations at the rink, bracelets, and so much more. I can’t wait to run it back next season.
It’s been so much fun to watch the DLLS Stars community grow. You truly are Diehards, and we’re thankful for all of you.
Special Announcement Coming Soon!
Check out today’s DLLS Cowboys episode for an exciting announcement for an event next season. Diehards will get 20% off. Trust me: it’s going to be a ton of fun.
(Plus, I believe our diehard sale is still active through today. Check it out and don’t miss out!)
Joe Milton is the actual developmental QB for the Cowboys, despite what aggregators without context made you believe about Dak Prescott yesterday
The Mavs still can’t get their messaging to fans right, even with the gift of Cooper Flagg
The Rangers need to keep Corey Seager in the lineup if they want to fix their offensive woes
I love quotes from offensive linemen. They always deliver.
Speaking of: Tyler Guyton was asked today about Tyler Smith.
“He’s the leader of our group. We follow after him. We work as hard as he does, and he’s a hard working mofo.”
📸 Imagn
— #Joseph Hoyt (#@JoeJHoyt)
1:49 AM • May 30, 2025
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Joseph Hoyt
DLLS Cowboys Reporter and Newsletter Editor
[email protected]
On X: @JoeJHoyt
