Stars’ Jake Oettinger Admits ‘Embarrassing’ Feeling After Game 5 Decision

On Saturday, Oettinger admitted the decision caught him off guard.

"I wasn’t expecting that to happen. It was surprising," Oettinger said during the end-of-season media availability. "But the reality is, if I make one or two of those saves, I’d still [be playing] in the game.

"The way I’m looking at it is, ‘How can I get better from that? How can I make those saves that I made all playoffs? How do I make them at the start of that game and give the guys a chance to get their feet under them?’ As a goalie, that’s your job.”

Oettinger, who sat next to broadcaster Ray Ferraro after being pulled, called the moment difficult to process.

"I was on the screen a lot more than I thought I should be," Oettinger said. "I don't know why they kept showing me. I haven't moved in half an hour.

"It sucks. It's embarrassing."

The netminder also described the aftermath as something he plans to grow from.

"My job is to stop the puck. If I go out there next year and I’m the best goalie in the world, it doesn’t matter," Oettinger said. "Just try to be the best I can be, learn from the experience."

Oettinger will enter the first season of an eight-year, $66-million contract extension signed in 2024. The 26-year-old goalie finished the season with a .909 save percentage in 58 games while allowing 2.59 goals-against on average.