Dallas Stars goalie Jake Oettinger expressed his surprise and embarrassment after being pulled just over seven minutes into Game 5 of the Western Conference Final against the Edmonton Oilers. After conceding goals on the first two shots he faced, head coach Pete DeBoer made the decision to replace him with backup Casey DeSmith.
The Oilers quickly capitalized, adding another goal shortly after the switch and cruising to a 6-3 win that ended the Stars’ season. DeBoer defended his decision, saying his only motive was to do what he believed gave the team the best chance to force a Game 6.
DeBoer Stands by Risky Decision, Oettinger Reflects and Looks Toward Stronger Return
DeBoer acknowledged the harsh scrutiny that came with pulling his star goalie but stood by the call. He emphasized that decisions made in critical playoff moments are high-risk, high-reward, and this one simply didn’t work out.
He noted that had the team rallied for a win, he’d be praised for the bold move. The team’s elimination meant post-season interviews in Texas rather than preparing for a showdown in Edmonton, highlighting the magnitude of that single decision.
Jake Oettinger Owns Early Exit as DeBoer Defends Bold Call in Stars’ Playoff CollapseFollowing the season-ending loss, Oettinger finally addressed the situation, taking responsibility for the goals allowed and focusing on how to grow from the experience. He emphasized that if he had made just one or two of those early saves, he’d likely have remained in the game.
The 26-year-old, already a veteran of four straight playoff appearances, remained focused on improving and reaffirmed his confidence in his abilities, aiming to come back stronger next season.
Despite No Post-Game Talk, Oettinger Focuses on Growth and Future Performance Goals
Interestingly, DeBoer revealed that he hadn’t spoken directly with Oettinger since the season ended. When asked if that concerned him, Oettinger dismissed any tension, stating the experience would ultimately help him grow both personally and professionally. He reaffirmed his commitment to excellence and insisted that his performance, not external factors, would define his future, regardless of who’s coaching the team.
The Stars’ third consecutive exit in the Western Conference Final was disappointing, especially since they lost four straight after winning Game 1. DeBoer shared that internal discussions had taken place about possibly giving Oettinger a break earlier due to upper respiratory issues and the physical toll of the playoffs.
Still, Oettinger insisted he felt physically strong and could have kept playing. He did, however, acknowledge the mental toll of a long season, suggesting that while his body held up, the grind might have taken a deeper, unseen toll.
