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Dallas Stars Daily Links: The Playoffs Are Paying Off For Stars Rookies

Posted on by Kathleen Tibbetts

There are a few positives to take out of the Dallas Stars’ back-to-back home losses to the Chicago Blackhawks. Many of them have to do with Jake Oettinger.

The prospect goaltender and former first-round pick showed poise and promise in the Chicago series, and that was part of the organization’s plan. Stars senior staff writer Mike Heika addresses how the Stars’ Stanley Cup Final run is paying benefits in prospect development in his latest story:

“That’s why we brought all of them to Edmonton,” Stars coach Rick Bowness said. “Knowing they most likely were not going to play, but that it was important to start to understand the Dallas Stars culture and to be around the pros and see what preparation is all about and see what the National Hockey League is all about.”…

“It was important to involve the kids in Edmonton, I thought that was a tremendous learning experience for them,” Bowness said. “Our players know them a lot better now, especially this year with such a short training camp and no exhibition games. Our veterans did a great job of keeping the young guys involved and making them feel part of the team. That definitely helps them feel comfortable in the locker room and on the bench.”

The Stars have learned a thing or two about working a rookie netminder into the lineup since the days when Jack Campbell was struggling to find his place in the NHL. Oettinger seems to be benefiting from those lessons now:

Oettinger has lost twice in 3-on-3 overtime, but he now has the experience of playing in 3-on-3 overtime against great players like Patrick Kane and Alex DeBrincat. Next time he goes out there, he’s going to understand the angles and the flow of the puck better. He’s going to be ready….

“I one-hundred percent think that’s a thing,” Oettinger said when asked about momentum. “Goaltending, a ton of it is about confidence. When you’re confident, you feel like the game is slower in front of you and the puck is a little bigger. Whenever you have a solid outing, it’s nice to build on it. Obviously, it makes you feel good.”

There’s more at Mike’s place. [Dallas Stars]

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Talking Points