Is Jake Oettinger already among the NHL’s elite goaltenders? Host Joey Erickson makes a compelling case for the Dallas Stars’ netminder, comparing his stats to top goalies like Connor Hellebuyck and Marc-Andre Fleury. Erickson breaks down Oettinger’s impressive NHL ranking, expectations for the 2025-26 season, and potential Olympic aspirations. The discussion covers Oettinger’s consistency, playoff performances, and room for growth. Plus, Joe Pavelski’s induction into the USA Hockey Hall of Fame is celebrated, highlighting his impact on the Stars and American hockey. Discover why Oettinger might be the most polarizing figure on the Dallas Stars roster and what it means for the team’s future. Will he cement his status among the NHL’s best?
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5 Comments
Jake Oettinger is not Eddie Belfour, but he does rise to the occasion I just wish he was more consistent in terms of playing at a high level. Most of the saves that he doesn’t make aren’t his fault it’s the defense thats in front of him. I think he’s a top 10 goalie in the NHL in order to be top five he has to elevate his game another level. Also I think he could play better in the playoffs he got out played by Stuart Skinner and Hallenbuck in a couple of games last year so if he’s after the elite level he’s definitely not there yet, but he’s still very young he could get there eventually. Im curious if Gullie and the new goaltender coach can help him improve his game he’s gotta win the Vezina trophy 🏆 at least twice Ken Dryden won it 5 times. I also feel like he has to have a Stanley Cup underneath his belt.
My definition of elite is skewed from growing up during the Roy / Hasek / Brodeur dead-puck era where elite 'tenders put up more shutouts. In the more open higher scoring league we have today you can win a cup without elite goaltending. I think Jake gives us what we need to win a championship. I still think Turco was our best ever. Jake winning a cup would push him ahead of Eddie Belfour IMO. Honestly it doesn't matter to me if he's competing for Vezinas. There's lots of worse goalies who have won championships. There's 32 teams in the league. There's probably 12 goalies who could win a cup if the team around them is strong enough.
Goalies have much longer primes than other skaters. Bobrovsky is 38…
I've only been seriously watching NHL hockey for about three years but I've never understood the hype around the New York Russian goalies. Their results are nothing compared to Otter. Not even close. If Shesterkin or Sorokin were in the pipes, the boys wouldn't have made it past Colorado last year. That's my hot take.
A tweak in the defensive end will do a lot for Otter. We get on him for letting in goals forgetting he made about three or four saves every game that he never should've had to make because the team let him down. If the Stars play a defensive strategy like Edmonton where all shots are above the circles…. I think Jake takes a big step up
Could Otter win a Cup? Sure. He'd have to step his game up to the next level or a lot of pucks would have to "hit" him for that to happen as he has a habit of not making key saves when they're most needed. It's easy to blame the defense, but the defense isn't always going to be great, that's when you need an Elite goalie to step up and make those key saves. And I haven't seen Otter make those yet when it matters the most. Every goalie can make a save they weren't supposed to so it's when it's done that is important not if it ever happened at all.