Jake Oettinger: Stars Goalie on Playoff Pulling & Feelings
- Dallas Stars goalie Jake Oettinger addressed his Game 5 benching against the Edmonton Oilers after surrendering two goals on the first two shots.
- Coach Pete DeBoer's decision to replace Oettinger with Casey desmith ultimately didn't change the outcome, as the Stars fell 6-3, marking their third straight season ending in the...
- Oettinger spoke about the experience during the team's season-ending media availability, expressing his disappointment.
oettinger Reflects on Stars’ Playoff Exit After Being Pulled
Updated June 01, 2025
Dallas Stars goalie Jake Oettinger addressed his Game 5 benching against the Edmonton Oilers after surrendering two goals on the first two shots. The early exit occurred during a crucial Western Conference Final game, where the Stars faced elimination.
Coach Pete DeBoer’s decision to replace Oettinger with Casey desmith ultimately didn’t change the outcome, as the Stars fell 6-3, marking their third straight season ending in the Western Conference Final. DeSmith allowed three goals on 20 shots.
Oettinger spoke about the experience during the team’s season-ending media availability, expressing his disappointment. He aims to use this as a learning possibility to become a better goalie and player. Despite a tough series, Oettinger is focused on improving his goalie performance.
DeBoer had previously mentioned considering resting Oettinger, citing the goalie’s heavy workload and a possible upper-respiratory issue.Though, both downplayed any friction between them.
Oettinger acknowledged his struggles during the series, where he posted a 3.20 goals-against average and a .853 save percentage. The Stars often found themselves trailing early in games throughout the playoffs, perhaps influencing DeBoer’s decision. However, the two goals against Oettinger weren’t entirely his fault, including a breakaway goal.
“It sucks. It’s embarrassing… you just wanna go right off the ice, go into your bed, and not talk to anyone,” Oettinger said.
“No one is a bigger fan of jake oettinger than me, as a person or a goalie,” DeBoer said.
“I think for me, it’s just the whole experience, just have to learn from it,” Oettinger added. “My job is to stop the puck… Just try to be the best I can be and learn from the experience.”
what’s next
Oettinger plans to focus on improving his game during the off-season, aiming to return as one of the league’s top goalies. The Stars will look to address their slow starts and overall team performance to contend for the Stanley Cup next season.