Dallas Stars goalie Jake Oettinger could make his first start after suffering an injury in mid-December.

Dallas Stars goaltender Jake Oettinger has been out with an injury since December 15th in his start against the Ottawa Senators, but is finally ready to return to the starter's crease for tonight's game. 

In Thursday's press conference, head coach Pete DeBoer confirmed that it was, in fact, a groin injury. 

DeBoer went on to talk about how the coaching staff was originally told Oettinger was going to be out for three weeks, but it has been four long weeks. Scott Wedgewood kept the Stars in the win column, but after 10 straight starts, the focus turned back to when one of the top starting goalies in the league would get back in the crease.

When asked about his injury, Oettinger said he was itching to get back to playing. 

Fortunately for the Stars, they have had the luxury of being able to take their time and allow Oettinger to heal properly. Wedgewood stepped up in the time of need, and Matt Murray got his first NHL shutout in his first NHL start of the season. There have been a lot of goalie injuries around the NHL this season, and most teams have not been able to pick up wins as seamlessly as Dallas did it with Oettinger on the shelf.

Before the injury, the All-Star goalie was having an uncharacteristic year. His career goals against average is 2.49, compared to this year's GAA of 2.93. His career save percentage sits at .914%, but this year he is at .901%. He was 1-3 in his last four starts.

DeBoer talked about how the injury was an opportunity to reset. He also went on to discuss his thought process on which of the upcoming back-to-back games to let Oettinger start for his first game back. 

He was weighing the decision between giving him an extra day and starting him on Saturday, but gambling on no morning skate before the game in Chicago due to the back-to-back travel. DeBoer also mentioned which team could be the lighter load in terms of shots on goal might be a determining factor as well. 

It is unconfirmed whether or not he will start against Nashville or Chicago.

While he was out, Oettinger was selected to represent the Stars at the 2024 NHL All-Star Game. It is unknown if he will attend at the moment.

Both Oettinger and the Stars have been awaiting his return. The hope is that he is completely healthy and can revert back to his old form, because with a healthy number one on his game, the Stars could be in for another deep run in the playoffs.

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