Jake Oettinger has been outstanding for Dallas this month.
DALLAS - Goaltender Jake Oettinger’s numbers to start the season are simply sensational.
Oettinger’s 3-0-1 record is powered by a sparkling 1.44 goals-against average and .952 save percentage after surrendering just six goals on 126 shots.
The Lakeville, MN native made a season-high 38 saves in Tuesday night's 4-1 triumph over the Penguins at PPG Paints Arena.
"He’s big every night for us. He’s elite," praised head coach Pete DeBoer, following the victory in Pittsburgh. "He’s come back, he’s healthy, and he’s making it look easy. He’s so solid, so positionally solid. He’s obviously our backbone there."
Oettinger came up especially clutch in the first period when the Penguins registered 18 shots on goal and managed to score just once courtesy of Bryan Rust.
The 24-year-old Boston University product was a wall the rest of the way.
"I said to Seggy [Tyler Seguin] half way through the third period, I’m like, ‘Jeez! He’s on. He’s on it right now.’ He’s making hard saves look easy, and as a shooter, I remember him doing that to me, and it’s discouraging. You get all of a shot and think you have a chance of it going in and it just hits him in the chest, and it’s like, ‘Jeez! What do I need to do?’ He looks unbelievable," said forward Matt Duchene. "He’s been our best player so far this year. No question about it... We love to see it from him. He’s such a great guy and a hard worker, and it’s great to see him have that success early."
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Oettinger's work while the Stars were short-handed on three occasions deserves special credit, too.
He made 10 saves against a Penguins power play that boasts some of the best offensive weapons in the business.
"You see how composed he is. They had some really quality looks. He’s playing some fantastic hockey right now," said forward Jason Robertson. "We’re really fortunate that he’s playing to this standard."
Oettinger posted a career-high 37 wins and five shutouts last season.