The 2020 Stanley Cup Final Appearance

Lore & Background

The Dallas Stars were coached by Rick Bowness during the 2020 Stanley Cup Final. Bowness replaced Jim Montgomery, who was dismissed on December 10, 2019, due to unprofessional conduct. Before joining the Stars organization, Bowness had served as associate coach with the Lightning from 2013 to 2018.

In Their Own Story

The ice at Rogers Place shimmered under the bright lights, empty save for the players skating in silence. Jamie Benn tightened his gloves, feeling the familiar weight of expectation on his shoulders. The crowd was invisible, yet the tension hung heavy in the recycled air. He looked toward the bench, where DeBoer stood stoic amidst the chaos of a global pause. This wasn't just a game; it was a testament to survival.

Reader's Guide

The Dallas Stars set the record for most playoff games played by a team in a single postseason at 27 games. This was the franchise's fifth appearance in the Final. They won the Stanley Cup in 1999 before losing the Final in 2000. They also made two appearances as the Minnesota North Stars in 1981 and 1991.

Did You Know?

• The entire series was played behind closed doors at Rogers Place in Edmonton due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
• This was the first Stanley Cup Final since 1924 to be played entirely outside the Eastern Time Zone.
• This was the first Stanley Cup Final since 1928 to be played entirely in one location.
• This was the first Stanley Cup Final since 1989 to be played entirely in Canada.
• This was the first Stanley Cup Final to feature two teams from the American Sun Belt (Texas and Florida).