Stars' Jake Oettinger Defends Himself After Game 1 Struggles

The Dallas goaltender faced criticism for his performance, but his coach is standing by him.

Apr. 19, 2026 at 4:37pm

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Dallas Stars goaltender Jake Oettinger is defending his play after a rough Game 1 loss to the Minnesota Wild in the Stanley Cup Playoffs. Oettinger allowed 6 goals in the 6-1 defeat, leading to questions about whether he should remain the team's starting goalie. However, Stars head coach Glen Gulutzan is backing his player, saying the issues were not solely on the goaltending. The team is focused on bouncing back in Game 2 on Monday.

Why it matters

Oettinger's struggles in the playoffs are not new, as he also had a poor performance in last year's Western Conference Finals. The Stars' decision on whether to stick with Oettinger or make a change in net could have a major impact on their playoff run this year.

The details

In Saturday's Game 1 loss, Oettinger said he thought he 'did good things' but acknowledged the last goal he allowed was 'bad.' Gulutzan defended his goaltender, saying the issues were more with the team's special teams and 5-on-5 play. Oettinger also struggled in last year's playoffs, allowing two quick goals in a Game 5 loss that contributed to the Stars firing their previous coach.

  • The Dallas Stars lost to the Minnesota Wild 6-1 in Game 1 on Saturday, April 19, 2026.
  • The Stars and Wild will play Game 2 on Monday, April 21, 2026.

The players

Jake Oettinger

The Dallas Stars' starting goaltender who struggled in Game 1 against the Minnesota Wild, allowing 6 goals.

Glen Gulutzan

The head coach of the Dallas Stars, who is standing by Oettinger and saying the issues in Game 1 were not solely on the goaltending.

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What they’re saying

“I think the last goal was bad, but I think I did good things and I think there are things I could have been better at.”

— Jake Oettinger, Dallas Stars Goaltender

“Nothing for me was on our goaltending. For me, it was certainly on our specialty teams needing to be better, and our 5-on-5 play wasn't good enough.”

— Glen Gulutzan, Dallas Stars Head Coach

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.