Seeking the Spark: Jake Oettinger’s Quest for a Comeback
Before the playoffs begin, the stars hope to see “vintage” Jake Oettinger return. The starting goaltender for the Stars is starting to get back on track after a challenging few months. Jake Oettinger made a stop that could have changed the course of the game late in the second period of the Stars’ victory over the Pittsburgh Penguins.
The Stars’ goalie stopped a Penguins rush opportunity by scurrying from one side of the crease to the other, nearly performing a split. The Coyotes were down 2-1 early in the third period two nights later while traveling through Arizona, but Oettinger beat the puck there with his paddle to keep the Stars ahead.
Following the game, Stars head coach Pete DeBoer remarked, “Pretty vintage Jake.” “I felt he appeared at ease, produced a few huge saves when necessary, and made some difficult saves appear simple. It was wonderful to witness that.
Oettinger was well-known for those two saves during his first three seasons in Dallas, particularly in the 2022 playoff series against Calgary. The squad has depended on the 25-year-old goalie to save them in a number of tight spots since he entered the lineup, and he has consistently lived up to the expectations.
However, things have changed this season. Even though Oettinger was named an NHL All-Star, he has faced more hardship than before. After undergoing offseason surgery and sustaining a long-term ailment in December, his play has declined.
Based on statistics, Oettinger’s 2.97 goals against average and 898% save % are the lowest of his career. Anecdotally, in games like a 7-6 overtime victory earlier this month against the San Jose Sharks, one of the worst teams in the league, he has conceded more goals than anticipated.
Oettinger’s duty will become even more crucial when the regular season ends on April 18 because it’s possible that he won’t have a night off until the Stars either win the Stanley Cup or get eliminated. Thus, the upcoming month will be the most crucial one yet.
Oettinger remarked, “I’m just doing everything I can for my body and my mind.” “We’ve kind of had it on the back of our minds the entire year. Being a part of a squad this talented allows you to mentally prepare yourself for a lengthy game. Summer and fall were the starting seasons for that work. When the puck drops for Game 1, I believe everyone simply wants to get their respective games to where they want to be.
“At that point, nothing you did, good or terrible, throughout the regular season matters. Since it’s a new season, many of us might benefit from it. When it comes to goalkeeping, the Stars want to stress that they don’t care about statistics. They claim that their only concern is victories and defeats.
It was surprising, though, that Oettinger and Scott Wedgewood, two of the best goalies in the NHL this season, rank 77th and 80th, respectively, in goals above expectations for a team with Oettinger as their superior goalkeeper and Wedgewood as their dependable backup.
Oettinger remarked, “I’m sure I’d be thinking about my stats all the time if I had a.925 right now.” “The numbers don’t always paint a complete picture in both directions.”
Both goalies have started to improve their statistics after Oettinger was benched two weeks ago against the New Jersey Devils after a 4-2 start. A few days later, Wedgewood helped Dallas defeat the Kings 4-1, and Oettinger ended the week with three consecutive victories while giving up only two goals each game.
Fortunately, the Stars’ remaining schedule is less demanding, which gives their top goaltender more time to gain confidence before the playoffs start. Such efforts against Pittsburgh and Arizona might help him regain some of the confidence he previously displayed. Oettinger never lacks skill when it comes to his craft. The hardest elements are the emotional aspects and injuries.