Oettinger turning heads as Stars lead Flames

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Dallas Stars goalie Jake Oettinger is asserting himself on the National Hockey League’s biggest stage.

The 23-year-old entered the season fourth on the organization’s goalie depth chart, behind Ben Bishop, Braden Holtby, and Anton Khudobin. Now Oettinger is front and centre in the Stanley Cup playoffs, having stopped 93 of 96 shots, including one shutout, as the Stars have taken a 2-1 series lead over the Calgary Flames.

Through three games against the Flames, Oettinger looks unflappable. His .969 save percentage is first among all playoff goalies, and his 1.01 goals-against average is third. 

“It’s a dream come true to be a starting goalie here in the playoffs and I’m just going to keep trying to give my team a chance to win,” he said after Game 1.

 Much of Oettinger’s success this spring can be attributed to his pedigree and work ethic. 

The 23-year-old was drafted 26th overall in 2017 out of Boston University and, according to teammate Tyler Seguin, entered an ideal situation in Dallas - precisely because of the netminders he usurped. During the regular season, he was 30-15-1, with a .914 save percentage and 2.53 goals-against average.

“He’s still a sponge around the rink,” Seguin said. “Being with guys over the last little while like Anton [Khudobin] and seeing [Braden] Holtby’s work ethic and getting advice from [Ben Bishop] on the grand scheme of things, he’s come into that perfect environment, and it’s just been dependent on how he took it all in and handled it. He’s done a great job and that’s why when these big moments have come, he’s rose to the occasion for us.”

Bishop, who retired this season right before Christmas because of injury, has been an invaluable mentor for the young Oettinger,