Peter DeBoer has established himself as one of the most successful coaches in NHL Game 7 history, boasting an undefeated record of 8-0. The mastermind behind the Dallas Stars' playoff push, DeBoer’s preparation is meticulous, emphasizing clear communication and trust among his players. As the Stars face off against the Colorado Avalanche in a do-or-die scenario, his strategies will be pivotal in dictating the match's outcome.

DeBoer’s approach to coaching extends beyond tactics; it’s about fostering a sense of trust and confidence within the team. His players, like Jamie Benn and Chandler Stephenson, highlight his ability to keep the game simple, allowing them to focus on execution rather than overthinking. This emotional intelligence, combined with his tactical acumen, has led his teams to rapid playoff successes, making him a sought-after coach in the league.

Brandon Montour ignited a scoring spree for the Seattle Kraken, netting two goals in the second period, contributing to a commanding 6-2 victory over the San Jose Sharks. Chandler Stephenson, Oliver Bjorkstrand, Jaden Schwartz, and Eeli Tolvanen also found the net for Seattle, while Joey Daccord made 26 saves in goal. Meanwhile, San Jose struggled, with goals from Carl Grundstrom and Tyler Toffoli not enough to turn the tide, marking their sixth loss in seven games.

The Kraken took the lead early, with Stephenson scoring just under four minutes into the game. Although Grundstrom equalized shortly before the first intermission, Seattle dominated the second period, outshooting the Sharks 17-9 and scoring four times. Montour's goals marked a crucial turnaround, breaking a 20-game scoreless streak and positioning the Kraken as a formidable offensive force.

As the NHL season resumes, the focus shifts to NHL DFS strategies for upcoming contests on January 28, 2025, featuring an eight-game slate. Key lineup picks are highlighted, with teams like Tampa Bay and Winnipeg showing high implied totals. The analysis emphasizes the importance of monitoring player news and injuries to optimize lineup potential.

Jake Oettinger stands out as a top goalie option against the Vegas Golden Knights, boasting a strong record and impressive stats. Mark Scheifele and Chandler Stephenson emerge as prominent center picks, while Nikita Kucherov’s recent performance highlights his significant role for the Tampa Bay Lightning. Defensive choices include Shayne Gostisbehere and Tony DeAngelo, both expected to leverage advantageous matchups. Overall, this slate presents an opportunity for strategic creativity in lineup construction.

This week’s waiver wire report highlights several players to target for fantasy leagues. Jackson Blake of the Carolina Hurricanes, currently available in 99.5% of leagues, has seen a surge in value following the acquisition of Mikko Rantanen, allowing him to join a potent line with Sebastian Aho. Jonathan Drouin, now on a line with Nathan MacKinnon after a trade, provides job security and power-play opportunities. Morgan Geekie is making waves with the Bruins, scoring six goals in seven games after moving to the top line. Meanwhile, Mason McTavish of the Anaheim Ducks is also on the rise following a goal streak.

On defense, Tony DeAngelo and Alexander Romanov from the New York Islanders are worth considering due to their increasing roles in the wake of injuries. In goal, Jake Allen steps up as the starter for the New Jersey Devils after Jacob Markstrom's injury. Cam Talbot continues to show potential with the Detroit Red Wings. Short-term streaming options include Chandler Stephenson and Brock Nelson, who have favorable matchups coming up.

With Jeremy Swayman potentially returning to the Boston Bruins lineup after a recent upper-body injury, the team is optimistic about his swift recovery. Meanwhile, the Buffalo Sabres face challenges as defenseman Rasmus Dahlin missed practice, although forward Ryan McLeod could be ready to play. The Carolina Hurricanes are making headlines with a significant trade for Mikko Rantanen, while their William Carrier is sidelined for a couple of months due to a lower-body injury that needed surgery.

In other injury news, the Chicago Blackhawks are dealing with Seth Jones and Connor Murphy absent from their recent showdown. The New Jersey Devils will be without Jacob Markstrom for at least a month due to a sprained MCL. Furthermore, the New York Islanders' Noah Dobson is expected to miss several weeks. The Philadelphia Flyers are also grappling with injuries, as Egor Zamula is out, and Pittsburgh Penguins’ Bryan Rust is classified as day-to-day.