2. Pete DeBoer's presence
Fun fact: Pete DeBoer is 7-0 in game sevens, making him a tough match-up for opponents. His team will look to continue that incredible run on Sunday, as the Dallas Stars hope to defeat the Vegas Golden Knights. But with Vegas's dominating lineup and sense of urgency, there might be other plans.
As for DeBoer himself, the Stars head coach has plenty of history against the Golden Knights. Of course, there's last season's match-up between the two teams. But DeBoer and the Golden Knights go back further than that. During the 2018-19 Stanley Cup playoffs, DeBoer stood behind the bench for the San Jose Sharks. He led the Sharks back from a 3-1 deficit in that series, toppling the Golden Knights.
But DeBoer himself has coached the Golden Knights during the playoffs. He led Vegas to two playoff berths, making the Stanley Cup semifinals twice (lost to the Stars in 2019-2020 and Montreal Canadiens in 2021). The former Golden Knights coach is quite familiar with how the team works, whether it's tenured "Misfits" (see Jonathan Marchessault) or even former Sharks (see Tomas Hertl).
However, the Stars head coach has only won one of three playoff series against his former team. Will he ride on his immaculate record in game sevens or will the Golden Knights get one up on him? Stay tuned, for DeBoer is the most interesting man in this playoff series.