Stars coach Pete DeBoer backs struggling goalie Jake Oettinger: ‘We wouldn’t be here without [him]’

After consecutive bad performances, the Dallas Stars are still sticking with their goaltender. 

Head coach Pete DeBoer said after his team’s 6-1 loss to the Edmonton Oilers in Game 3 of the Western Conference Finals on Sunday that he would not bench starter Jake Oettinger. He has given up nine goals in his past two games, both losses for Dallas, and 12 goals overall for the series.

“We wouldn’t be here in the conference finals without Jake Oettinger,” DeBoer said after Game 3.

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Regardless of Oettinger’s struggles, the Stars need to start finding the back of the net if they want to get back in the series, as they’ve scored just one goal in their past two games.

Here’s a look at what DeBoer said about his struggling goalie after Game 3.   

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Will Jake Oettinger be benched?

DeBoer indicated after the game on Sunday that Oettinger would be the starting goaltender for Game 4. He’s been an important part of Dallas’ run to the conference finals.

“We wouldn’t be here in the conference finals without Jake Oettinger and how he’s played.”

Pete DeBoer backs his goalie after giving up 6 against Edmonton in Game 3. pic.twitter.com/pjEZb6lTQR

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“Jake Oettinger is one of the best response goalies in the league, and I know he’s not going to drag about tonight’s game,” DeBoer said.

Despite DeBoer’s confidence in his starter, the statistics show Oettinger has struggled mightily in the postseason. He leads all playoff goaltenders in goals allowed, letting in 44 of them in his 16 starts. If he falters again in Game 4, it wouldn’t be a shock to see DeBoer turn to backup Casey DeSmith.

Jake Oettinger stats

Oettinger has been one of the better goaltenders in the NHL in the regular season. He was top 10 in the league in saves and top 15 in save percentage heading into the playoffs. Dallas is hoping he can return to form in time to help them get to the Stanley Cup Final.

Here’s a look at Oettinger’s regular season stats this year.