U.S. backup Oettinger outplaying starter Hellebuyck in NHL playoffs with Stars up 3-1 over Jets
Dallas goalie Jake Oettinger has turned taunts into triumph in the 2024-25 NHL playoffs. Once mocked by Winnipeg fans as the "U.S. backup," Oettinger is now the backbone of the Dallas Stars' playoff surge. With Dallas leading the series 3-1 against the top-seeded Winnipeg Jets, Oettinger is proving he's more than just a second-string name.
The “Backup” Who’s Carrying the Stars
Earlier this year, Oettinger served as the backup to Connor Hellebuyck during the 4 Nations Face-Off. But in this playoff series, he's outshining the man ahead of him on the U.S. depth chart. After Dallas’ 3-1 Game 4 win, Oettinger stayed humble.
“Nothing personal. I’m just focused on beating a good team,” he said after making 31 crucial saves.
That win has put the Stars one victory away from their third straight Western Conference Final.
Calm Under Pressure
Despite allowing a soft goal early in the second period of Game 4, Oettinger didn’t flinch. Stars coach Pete DeBoer praised his composure.
“He’s unflappable,” DeBoer said. “One goal doesn’t shake him. He bounced right back and became our best player.”
Oettinger has been steady all postseason. He holds a 7-4 record with a .917 save percentage. In the past five games, he’s allowed just 10 goals.
Hellebuyck’s Struggles Continue
Connor Hellebuyck, widely expected to win his third Vezina Trophy, hasn’t matched his regular-season brilliance. He finished the regular season with a .925 save percentage and a league-high 47 wins. But the playoffs have told a different story.
In the postseason, Hellebuyck has a .851 save percentage and a 3.48 goals-against average. He has lost nine straight road playoff games since 2023. This series alone, he is 0-5 on the road with a 5.84 GAA.
Still, he’s staying focused. “Every loss is frustrating,” Hellebuyck admitted. “But I’m looking forward to the next one. We’ll leave it all on the ice.”
Jets Must Find Offensive Spark
The Jets have scored only five goals across their three losses to Dallas. Their only lead came briefly in Game 1. Coach Scott Arniel knows his team needs to step up.
“We need to give him [Hellebuyck] some run support,” Arniel said. “We have to get the lead. Make them chase us for once.”
Winnipeg's Mikael Granlund managed a hat trick in Game 4, but that wasn’t enough. Dallas continued to dominate.
Stars Fans Rally Behind “Otter”
The Dallas crowd has fully embraced their goalie. Fans chanted “Otter’s better!” throughout Game 4. Oettinger soaked it all in.
“It’s been unreal. You can’t help but smile when they’re chanting your name,” he said. “I just want to keep playing well so they keep chanting.”
Oettinger, now in his fourth straight playoff run, has bigger goals in sight. He’s eyeing both a Stanley Cup and the starting job for Team USA at the 2026 Milan Olympics.
Game 5: Do-or-Die for Winnipeg
Game 5 is set for Thursday night in Winnipeg. The Jets face elimination on home ice. If they lose, Dallas moves on to the conference final. If Winnipeg wins, they’ll need two more victories to complete a comeback.
As the series continues, one thing is clear — the so-called “U.S. backup” is now a leading star in the NHL playoffs.
