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Dallas Stars Daily Links: Jake Oettinger Is The Stars’ Other Best Thing This Season

Posted on by Kathleen Tibbetts

The Dallas Stars haven’t had much to celebrate this season. From coronavirus to injuries to scoring issues to an ice-storm stoppage, their 2021 season has been marked by “one damn thing after another” and “the same damn thing over and over again.”

So the emergence of a rookie superstar is something to trumpet to the skies. That’s right…Jake Oettinger is your hero now.

Jason Robertson’s show-stopping season to date has gotten a fair measure of well-earned national attention, but Oettinger’s emergence in net deserves equal time, writes The Dallas Morning News’ Matthew DeFranks:

Oettinger, the team’s first-year goaltender, has been the Stars’ best netminder this season, owning a .918 save percentage and 2.23 goals against average that ranks second among rookie goalies with at least 10 games played. On Monday night in Florida, Oettinger dragged the Stars into overtime by making 27 saves in relief of Anton Khudobin….

“Whether I’m backing up or starting, it’s my job to be ready to go no matter what,” Oettinger said. “You never know what the situation is. As a goalie, sometimes the biggest times you’re needed is when the guy that was supposed to play goes down. We’ve had that a couple times this year, and it’s my job to be ready to go.”

Otter’s ascendance, like Robertson’s, also came at a moment when the team needed it badly. And it leaves the Stars with a big decision about the future:

Oettinger’s performance this season has been needed — he has a .938 save percentage when replacing Khudobin — but also arrived to the NHL roster a year earlier than expected. In an ideal world, the Stars would have opted for Oettinger to start for AHL affiliate Texas this season, gaining another year of experience before making the jump.

But Ben Bishop’s knee surgery and absence for the entire season meant Oettinger was needed in the NHL. Oettinger has responded by proving he belongs. Now comes the hard part for the Stars: What do they do with Khudobin when Bishop is healthy in the fall?

Matt has more. [SportsDayDFW]

Stars Stuff

Last night was emotional for everyone, in the good and bad ways.

“It’s been…it’s been tough, you know, watching our team going through everything they have this whole year and not being able to help.”

If only the Stars hadn’t been suffering all season from Not Enough Tyler Seguin, and the high-event hockey he brings….

Around The Leagues

#Disco Jazz

  • Sebastian Aho racked up a hat trick as the Carolina Hurricanes defeated the Chicago Blackhawks 5-2. [Canes Country]
  • And the Nashville Predators solidified their hold on fourth place in the Discover Central by beating the Columbus Blue Jackets 4-3 in OT. [On The Forecheck]/

It turns out Connor McDavid is actually a pretty big deal.

Elsewhere in the North, it’s always good to hear good things about Jason Spezza.

Has Tom Wilson finally gone too far, even for him? And will the NHL go far enough in disciplining him this time?

Aaaaaaand that’s a no.

The Washington Capitals are facing even more fire for a tweet – later deleted – that celebrated Wilson’s antics.

Yeah, this one.

Greetings From Scenic Cedar Park

The Texas Stars got the OT point in last night’s loss to the Cleveland Monsters, which marked their best series since March.

They’ve suffered from a few holes in the roster this season, and here’s the story of why Julius Honka hasn’t suited up in a month.

You’ve already heard that the great Max Fortunus has retired. The Texas Stars have put some pertinent stats (and a few memorable photos) into this infographic tribute.

And Ringo in an X-wing, with a dog, is something I had no idea I needed until just now.

Finally

It’s true – and, at this point in the season, it’s also heartbreaking. Enjoy…?

Talking Points