Jake Oettinger, born on December 18, 1998, known by the nicknames "Otter" or "Phenomenotter," is an American professional ice hockey goaltender currently making waves with the Dallas Stars of the National Hockey League (NHL).
Oettinger's journey to professional hockey began during his collegiate career at Boston University, where he showcased his exceptional talent and earned recognition as one of the top goaltenders in the NCAA. His remarkable freshman season boasted a 2.11 goals-against average and a stellar .927 save percentage, garnering him prestigious accolades such as Hockey East Goaltender of the Month and a spot on the Hockey East All-Rookie Team. His sophomore year saw him continue his dominance, playing a pivotal role in securing Boston University's ninth Hockey East Tournament title.
In March 2019, Oettinger inked a three-year, entry-level contract with the Dallas Stars, marking a significant milestone in his professional journey. He embarked on his professional career with the Stars' AHL affiliate, the Texas Stars, where he quickly made his mark with a .897 save percentage and a 3.34 goals-against average in his first eight games.
Oettinger's talent and dedication did not go unnoticed, and on March 3, 2020, he received his first NHL call-up as the Stars dealt with a lower-body injury to Ben Bishop. His NHL debut came on September 8, 2020, during the 2020 Western Conference Final against the Vegas Golden Knights, where he showcased his prowess in relief of Anton Khudobin.
As the 2020-2021 season unfolded, Oettinger found himself thrust into the role of the Stars' backup goaltender due to Bishop's continued absence. He made his regular-season debut on January 28, 2021, in a victorious matchup against the Detroit Red Wings, gradually solidifying his position as the team's starting goaltender.
The 2021-2022 season saw Oettinger's career ascend to new heights as he played a crucial role in the Stars' journey to the Stanley Cup playoffs. With a remarkable 30-15-1 record and an impressive .914 save percentage, he emerged as a key factor in the team's qualification for the postseason.
Throughout the playoffs, Oettinger's performance was nothing short of stellar, earning him widespread acclaim as he demonstrated his exceptional skill and resilience on the ice. Despite the Stars ultimately falling short, Oettinger's heroic efforts, particularly in a memorable Game 7 showdown against the Calgary Flames, solidified his reputation as one of the NHL's most promising goaltenders.