FRISCO, Texas — Dallas Stars goalie Jake Oettinger expressed his shock and embarrassment after being pulled from the ice so early in Game 5 of the Western Conference final. In head coach Pete DeBoer’s strategic move, Oettinger was substituted just 7 minutes into the match against Edmonton after allowing two goals in as many shots. Behind this decision was the singular aim of pushing the series to a Game 6, a rationale DeBoer still faced inquiries about two days after the team’s season came to a close.
“No one’s a bigger fan of Jake Oettinger than me, as a person or a goalie,” DeBoer stated. “There’s one motive, and that’s how do we survive this and get it to a Game 6. I have to live with those consequences,” he continued. Reflecting the pressure of such decisions, he admitted that had the risk paid off, the narrative would have been different.
However, rather than preparing for Game 6, the Stars were contemplating their season’s end back in North Texas. Oettinger’s departure from the game was followed swiftly by another goal by Edmonton, who solidified their path to the Stanley Cup Final with a 6-3 triumph, even as Dallas momentarily challenged their lead by narrowing it to 4-3.
Oettinger, in his first public remarks after the incident, emphasized the need for self-improvement. “The reality is if I make one or two of those saves, then I’m still playing in the game,” he said, recognizing the path to becoming a more proficient goaltender.
The 26-year-old has consistently appeared in the playoffs over the past four years, securing six series wins. His journey through the postseason began notably in 2022 when the Stars pushed the top-seed Calgary Flames to a Game 7. Despite the loss, Oettinger made 64 saves that series, underscoring his potential under pressure.
With a .905 save percentage and a 2.82 goals-against average while facing the most postseason shots at 503 over 18 games, Oettinger’s stance as a leading goalie this season is indisputable. Meanwhile, other playoff goalies trailed significantly in shots faced, highlighting his workload.
DeBoer acknowledged having not yet spoken to Oettinger since the season’s conclusion. Oettinger, when asked about the status of their relationship, expressed no concern, viewing the entire experience as an opportunity for growth both personally and professionally. “My job is to stop the puck,” he asserted. “And I feel like I’m one of the best in the world when I’m playing well doing that.”
The Stars’ most recent exit marked the third consecutive year of their loss in the West finals, consistently facing elimination at the hands of Edmonton, who seized four consecutive wins after losing the initial game of the series this year. Preceding Game 5, discussions on whether Oettinger needed rest amid both his significant workload and upper respiratory issues arose, yet ultimately did not lead to a preemptive change.
“When you’re in that moment, you’re making that decision, what’s going through my mind is, you know, we need to stop the bleeding here,” DeBoer reflected on the quick decision made during Game 5. He referenced considerations of Oettinger’s potential fatigue and the overall toll of back-to-back playoff runs.
Oettinger, reflecting on the physical and mental demands, noted, despite feeling in peak physical condition, the potential vulnerability to the psychological challenges posed by an extended sports season.
**End of the season reflections brought clarity and aspirations for growth as both team and player vowed to learn from the experience ahead of future endeavors.**