WINNIPEG — When asked before the morning skate if his remarkable success rate in Game 7 playoff scenarios offered an advantage in elimination games, Dallas Stars coach Pete DeBoer responded with a slight smile, saying: `Well, it`s not Game 7.`
For the Winnipeg Jets, however, it felt very much like one. Faced with the threat of elimination on Thursday night, they delivered their strongest performance of the series, defeating the Stars 4-0 in Game 5. This victory reduced Dallas`s series lead to 3-2, setting the stage for Game 6 on Saturday in Texas.
DeBoer holds an impressive 9-0 record as a National Hockey League coach in Game 7s, and the Jets would surely welcome the chance to push him to try and secure a tenth consecutive win.
As of now, the Stars maintain control over the series.