TBL:

0

CAR:

6

Final

MTL:

3

VGK:

4

Final

DET:

1

PHI:

3

Final

NJD:

5

ARI:

4

Final

SEA:

3

COL:

2

Final

Oettinger Continues to Shine for the Stars

Photo By Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
Photo By Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

While there were some questions regarding the Dallas Stars going into the season, one did not have to worry about the team’s goaltending.

Stars’ netminder Jake Oettinger, 24, had a great first season in the league last year. He went 30-15-0-1 with a 2.53  goals-against average, a .914 save percentage, and one shutout.

Oettinger was even better in the Stanley Cup playoffs in a seven-game opening-round series loss to the Calgary Flames. Oettinger held one of the highest-scoring offenses in the NHL to just 13 goals while posting a 1.81 goals-against average, a .954 save percentage, and one shutout.

For his strong efforts last season, the Stars rewarded him with a three-year, $12 million contract back on September 2. With the signing, the franchise showed that the net belongs to Oettinger.

It appears that the Stars made the right move, as Oettinger has been even better this season. He is currently (Tuesday, January 10) 18-6-0-3 with a 2.34 goals-against average, a .922 save percentage, and two shutouts.

Oettinger’s strong play between the pipes is one of the reasons why his team has been so good this year. The Stars are first in the Central Division and fifth in the NHL with a 24-11-6 record and 54 points.

There are several reasons why Oettinger has been a standout between the pipes this year. For starters, he is playing with a lot of confidence.

Oettinger came into this season having already shown that he can be the starter. He was essentially his team’s main guy last season in the regular season and did more than a solid job in his first year in that role.

He also came into this season after having been masterful in the playoffs, the brightest stage in the NHL. He showed the rest of the hockey world that he could handle the pressure and be the main man in goal for the Stars.

Secondly, he plays the position in a calm manner. He controls his rebounds, never seems to be out of position, and always gives his team a chance to win a hockey game.

Lastly, Oettinger is consistent. In an article for The Athletic by Saad Yousef, Stars head coach Pete DeBoer spoke glowingly of his goaltender.

“He’s unflappable,” DeBoer said. “He’s a special, special goalie, a special person. He’s got great leadership; he’s got great respect in our room. The guys play hard for him. Those are all characteristics of an elite goalie that you need.”

Not many people expected the Stars to be Cup contenders coming into this season. That sentiment has changed as Oettinger’s play in the net has people believing that the Stars have a chance to win hockey’s Holy Grail when all is said and done.

Trade Deadline Eve Cue’ the Duck Boats Pod

Episode 54 is here and the boys break down the Bruins adding Tyler Bertuzzi, Taylor Hall and Nick Foligno Injury updates, and Pastrnaks contract extension. Followed up with a tour around the NHL and breaking down the MOUNTAIN of trades that happened since last episode.DraftKings Sportsbook – Boston’s hometown Sportsbook will be LIVE – soon – right here in Massachusetts! Bet local on all your favorite sports from the comfort of your own home with DraftKings. To celebrate, ALL new customers will receive up to TWO HUNDRED DOLLARS in BONUS bets when you sign up for DraftKings Sportsbook using code insidetherink! Soon you’ll be able to bet local on money lines, spreads, props, and more with one of America’s top-rated Sportsbooks – DraftKings Sportsbook!  Download the DraftKings Sportsbook app and sign up with code ITR to get up to TWO HUNDRED DOLLARS in BONUS bets to use once mobile sports betting hits Massachusetts. That’s code insidetherink only at DraftKings Sportsbook.  If you or a loved one is experiencing problems with gambling, call (800) 327-5050 or visit (https://helplinema.org/) to speak with a trained specialist free and confidentially twenty four seven. 21+. Physically present in MA. Eligibility restrictions apply. Subject to regulatory licensing requirements. Eligibility and deposit restrictions apply. Opt in required. Bonus issued as free bets. Terms at draftkings.com/ma.
  1. Trade Deadline Eve
  2. Donny Deals Strikes Again
  3. Trade Winds are Swirling
  4. Interview w/Bruins' Jack Ahcan
  5. Half Way There

Patrick Hoffman

Patrick covers the NHL for Inside The Rink. He has previously covered the league for The Ultimate Hockey Fan Cave, WTP Sports, Sportsnet.ca, Kukla’s Korner, Spector’s Hockey, NHL Network Radio blog, TheHockeyNews.com, The Fourth Period, Stan Fischler’s “The Fischler Report”, as well as a slew of others.

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