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“I don’t think he’s a guy who goes out of his way to necessarily be physical,” said Crosby, who went without a point in the Penguins’ 3-2 overtime loss, “but last night it seemed like that was something he tried to do more.”

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He’s already had one of those in his life.

His son Matt.

On this particular Sunday afternoon, while DeBoer is at the podium addressing the media at the team’s Sharks Ice practice facility, Matt is just a slap shot away on one of the adjoining rinks.

The same Matt that his dad refers to as “a miracle.”

While DeBoer’s entire focus right now is on finding a way to tie up this best-of-seven Stanley Cup final against the Pittsburgh Penguins in Game 4 Monday night, he’ll also be the first to tell you that he is blessed to have such a strong support system on hand to enjoy the ride, including wife Sue, sons Matt and Jack, and daughter Abby, who is scheduled to arrive Monday.

All have flown in to be with DeBoer in what they hope ends in the hoisting of hockey’s most coveted prize.

And then there is his other family member, the one who works with him, lives with him and, most importantly, is the person who always watches out for him while DeBoer’s blood relatives are back at their home in New Jersey.

That would be Steve Spott, Sharks assistant coach and Pete DeBoer’s best friend.