Maturity has been key to Jake Oettinger’s playoff success 

Jake Oettinger did not have his best regular season. In fact, statistically, he had his worst. 

Oettinger went 35-14-4 with a .905 save percentage and a 2.72 goals-against average in 53 starts for Dallas in 2023-24. He struggled early on and missed some time with injury. 

But in the Stanley Cup Playoffs, he has found a way to battle back. 

After a poor outing in the Game 1 loss to the Vegas Golden Knights in round one (four goals on only 19 shots), Oettinger has been excellent, second to only Igor Shesterkin of the New York Rangers in goalie statistics. Since that game, he has gone 8-4 and has recorded consistent save percentages above .940. 

His best performance came in Game 6 against the Colorado Avalanche when he stopped 30 of 31 (.967 save percentage) to clinch a double-overtime win and help the Stars advance to the Western Conference Final. 

So what has allowed him to be so good, especially after a mediocre regular season? 

Tyler Yaremchuk: It’s clear in that Oilers-Stars series who has the advantage between the pipes. Jake Oettinger didn’t have his best regular season, but he’s been great in these playoffs. Have you seen anything different from him that’s elevated his game?

Carter Hutton: I think it’s a product of him and his maturity. I think last time he had a good playoff run, he was younger. Now expectations have set in. During the regular season, it can be a bit overwhelming. I also think he’s a benefit of a deep Dallas Stars hockey team. For me, the key is his timely saves, his third period, his overtime, how he’s played. And 5-on-5 with a .941 save percentage, that’s going to keep any team in games. I think it’s the maturity level of him blossoming into a goalie we thought he could be a few years ago. Now he has that experience between the years to go out there and be patient and play well in these big games. 

You can watch the full segment and episode here: