Game Day Guide: Golden Knights Stars

First shift 🏒

Jake Oettinger, arguably the Stars’ most important player, is experiencing what is arguably the most important season of his career.

Oettinger made 200 starts that year and achieved 125 wins during that span, one of the best marks in NHL history. He’s off to a 13-5-0 start with a 2.47 GAA and .912 save percentage, also among the best in the NHL this season. And on Wednesday, he was named a member of Team USA for the four-nation face-off in February.

“It’s unbelievable,” said Oettinger after training on Thursday in Las Vegas. “I’m really happy to be a part of it. It’s a dream come true to be part of this group of players and be able to represent my country again. One of the best memories of my career is when I was with USA Hockey. So any time you have the opportunity to do it, it’s really exciting.”

After playing for Lakeville North in Minnesota in high school, Oettinger joined the US National Team Development Program for two seasons. He then played three seasons at Boston University before beginning his professional career with the Stars organization. He has played five NHL seasons and has a record of 126-53-23. He has also appeared in 47 playoff games and helped the Stars to the last two Western Conference Finals.

“He is an elite goalkeeper. He shows that every night,” Stars coach Pete DeBoer said.

Captain Benn added: “He’s absolutely solid, we have a lot of confidence in him. “Every night we go on the ice we feel like we’re going to win because of him.”

Oettinger earned this spot on Team USA alongside Connor Hellebuyck of Winnipeg and Jeremy Swayman of Boston. That’s a huge deal for a kid who grew up watching the movie “Miracle” and watching Ryan Miller play for the red, white and blue.

“The movie Miracle made me fall in love with USA Hockey and the whole story,” Oettinger said. “And then the World Junior Championships and the 2010 Olympics are my biggest hockey fan in the United States. I just remember how great Ryan Miller was in that tournament.”

Oettinger has competed in international tournaments six times for Team USA, including the 2017 and 2018 World Junior Championships and the 2021 World Championships. Still, that doesn’t compare to competing against some of the best players in the world in action in Canada, Finland and Sweden .

“As a hockey fan, it will be must-see television,” Oettinger said. “This is what the game needs and deserves and what the fans deserve. It’s going to be one hell of a show. The best players in the world represent their countries…nothing better than that.”

And there is nothing better than being there.