Stars should keep Oettinger as starter for Game 2 against Wild

Dallas goaltender has history of bouncing back after playoff losses

Apr. 19, 2026 at 7:56pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting the chaotic movements and energy of a hockey goaltender during a playoff game, with sharp, overlapping planes of color representing the action on the ice.The Stars' decision to stick with veteran goaltender Jake Oettinger in Game 2 could pay dividends as he looks to bounce back from a tough playoff loss.Dallas Today

After a 6-1 loss to the Minnesota Wild in Game 1 of their first-round NHL playoff series, the Dallas Stars should stick with goaltender Jake Oettinger as their starter for Game 2. Oettinger has a strong track record of responding well after playoff losses, and the team's struggles in Game 1 were more a result of defensive breakdowns than Oettinger's play. While his backup Casey DeSmith is a reliable option, the Stars should give Oettinger a chance to redeem himself in Game 2 before considering a change in net.

Why it matters

Oettinger is the Stars' long-term starting goaltender, and the team's success in the playoffs hinges on his ability to bounce back from tough losses. Pulling him after one bad game could shake his confidence and undermine the team's faith in him. The Stars need to show Oettinger they believe in him and give him the opportunity to regain his form.

The details

In Game 1, Oettinger allowed 5 goals on 19 shots before the midway point of the game. However, Stars coach Glen Gulutzan said the team's defensive breakdowns were more to blame than Oettinger's play, and that 'there's probably not a goalie in the league that hasn't given [those goals] up.' Oettinger has an impressive 18-8 record after losses in the playoffs, with a .693 winning percentage in those situations.

  • The Stars lost Game 1 to the Wild 6-1 on April 18, 2026.
  • Game 2 of the series is scheduled for April 20, 2026.

The players

Jake Oettinger

The Dallas Stars' starting goaltender, who has 64 playoff starts and a history of bouncing back after tough losses.

Casey DeSmith

The Stars' backup goaltender, who has appeared in 5 playoff games and made 3 starts with a .915 career postseason save percentage and 2.37 goals-against average.

Glen Gulutzan

The Dallas Stars' head coach, who is still seeking his first career playoff win as a head coach.

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What they’re saying

“'There's probably not a goalie in the league that hasn't given [those goals] up. I didn't see anything there. I saw more of a team play thing that we can all be a little bit better at.'”

— Glen Gulutzan, Stars coach

“'We've played a lot of playoff series and lost a lot of Game 1s, so I feel like we know what we need to do next game, and we just all have to be better.'”

— Jake Oettinger

“'Everything's on the table come playoff time. But we're not at a point where we want to mix and match. We lost Game 1. We've got to bounce back. There weren't many guys at the top of their game yesterday, so I fully expect this group to be better tomorrow.'”

— Glen Gulutzan, Stars coach

What’s next

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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.