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Dallas Stars Daily Links: Goalie Duel

Future USA Goalkeeper #1?

Posted on by Harlan Bowling
Apr 28, 2025; Dallas, Texas, USA; Dallas Stars goaltender Jake Oettinger (29) is introduced before the Stars face the Colorado Avalanche in game five of the first round of the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs at American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images
Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images

A lot has been said over the last few days weeks months about Mikko Rantanen, and deservedly so. The Moose has come up big over the last few games to the tune of 14 points, including points in the last 12(!!) Dallas Stars goals. While that storyline is expected to continue – and Stars fans hope it does – we’d be remiss not to point out the other elephant looming large in the room. That elephant is none other than the backstop for the Stars, Jake Oettinger, and his nemesis/friend at the other end, Connor Hellebuyck.

In Game 7 against the Colorado Avalanche, Otter did his job with aplomb:

Then, with 15.2 seconds left and the Stars leading 3-2, Oettinger found a puck through traffic with his glove and emphatically showed the puck to the roaring crowd. It was a mix of technical brilliance and swagger, Oettinger controlling his depth in the crease and fighting through a screen by Valeri Nichushkin before giving the save some extra mustard and showmanship. 

That’s the type of save and performance that has Team USA officials on notice, especially as the Stars prepare for the start of their second-round playoff series against the Winnipeg Jets on Wednesday night.

Hellebuyck, on the other hand, has a different narrative he’s trying to change – the one that says he’s an excellent regular season goalie, who just can’t get it done in the playoffs. Thus far, it’s been mixed results.

Just a month ago, it would have been ludicrous to talk about the goalies as equals. Hellebuyck was wrapping up a Vezina Trophy-winning season and may win the Hart Trophy as the league MVP after leading all NHL starters in save percentage, goals against average, and wins. In a year where the NHL average save percentage (.900) was at its lowest since the 1995-96 season, Hellebuyck posted a .925. 

…

But in a first-round playoff match-up against the St. Louis Blues, Hellebuyck turned into a pumpkin. The league MVP was pulled three times in the first six games. He looked equally shaky in the first two periods of Game 7 before steadying his game and being rescued by the Jets offense in the final two minutes and overtime. 

Whoever comes out on top will hold the edge, but will it matter the next time Team USA hits the ice? Only time will tell – and no one’s worried about that right now.

Read more from Sean Shapiro’s excellent piece in D Magazine right here.

Dallas Stars Stuff

It’s game day!

And let’s get the good vibes started early.

Around The NHL Playoffs

Edmonton took a second from Vegas last night in overtime, and say what you will about Connor McDavid, but sheesh….

In the other match-up, it was the Caps coming up aces.

Greetings From Scenic Cedar Park!

I know we’re singularly focused right now…but let’s not forget the Texas Stars doing their thing in the Calder Cup Playoffs. Big Game 3 tonight to send Grand Rapids home.

Finally

Always love when our local crew gets their shout-outs. Tip of the cap to John Buccigross and our very own Shippy.

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