The Columbus Blue Jackets came out firing against the Dallas Stars, dominating early in the second period. They looked like they had doubled their lead with a chaotic goalmouth scramble that ended in the puck sliding through the goalie’s legs. But on review, the puck hadn’t fully crossed the line. No goal. The Stars dodged one. Columbus didn’t stop pressing, even while shorthanded, and nearly scored again. Another disallowed goal. Still no break for the Stars, though, as a botched clearance led to a turnover. The Blue Jackets pounced. A quick poke check and a short-side finish finally made it 2-0 for real.
That goal triggered a timeout from the Dallas bench. Head coach Pete DeBoer lit into his team. He shouted about their lack of intensity, called out the effort, and challenged their compete level with a rant full of frustration and swearing. Players sat quietly while he unloaded. DeBoer demanded fight and passion. He didn’t get it. Columbus tacked on two more goals, ran away with the game, and left the Stars flat. The timeout speech didn’t change anything.