Reflecting on a Challenging Moment
In Frisco, Texas, Dallas Stars goalie Jake Oettinger reflects on a challenging moment from last season’s playoff run, eager for the day when he can chuckle about it. The incident in question occurred during Game 5 of the Western Conference Final, where he was yanked from the game less than eight minutes in after giving up two goals on the first two shots he faced.
“Eventually, my hope is that I’ll look at that experience fondly,” Oettinger shared as training camp began. “Winning it all will make it something I can laugh about, as I see it as a necessary hurdle on my journey.”
Playoff Performance and Team Dynamics
The Stars have qualified for the postseason four seasons in a row with Oettinger tending goal. Despite his efforts, the team faced elimination in the conference finals during the last three years, with the Edmonton Oilers being their stumbling block in the last two seasons. Oettinger’s early exit from last May’s 6-3 defeat sparked conversations about his relationship with then-coach Pete DeBoer, particularly given that it was a critical elimination game.
DeBoer explained after the game that he hoped a switch in goal would give the team a spark, noting that Oettinger had struggled in prior matchups against the Oilers. However, it instead ignited discussions about their dynamic, especially as Oettinger had recently signed a significant eight-year contract extension worth $66 million. Following the loss, the two did not speak immediately, with Oettinger later describing the aftermath as somewhat exaggerated.
“Emotions can get the best of us, leading to actions we might second-guess later,” he explained, echoing that everyone has these moments at times.
Changes and Future Outlook
Just over a week after their playoff exit, the Stars made the decision to part ways with DeBoer. General Manager Jim Nill stated that the dissatisfaction stemming from Oettinger’s benching was a contributing factor, amidst other considerations related to the team’s performance. DeBoer would later tell NHL.com that he stood by his choice to pull Oettinger but regretted not better framing the context of his comments about the goalie’s previous playoff struggles against Edmonton, clarifying that the failures belonged to the entire organization.
Oettinger, now looking forward, acknowledged DeBoer’s recent remarks by stating,
“I think he hit the nail on the head with what he said, so let’s leave it at that.”
With a record of 149 wins, 66 losses, and 27 ties over 251 regular-season games and displaying solid performance in the playoffs with a .912 save percentage, Oettinger is viewed as a vital asset to the Stars. Teammate Mikko Rantanen reinforced this sentiment, asserting,
“He’s certainly one of the top three goalies in the league. It’s crucial to have a reliable goalie who shows commitment to improvement.”
