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Dallas Stars: The problems with Anton Khudobin and what to do about it

By Caleb Nunn

SUNRISE, FL - FEBRUARY 22: Goaltender Anton Khudobin #35 of the Dallas Stars warms up prior to the game against the Florida Panthers at the BB&T Center on February 22, 2021 in Sunrise, Florida. (Photo by Joel Auerbach/Getty Images)
SUNRISE, FL - FEBRUARY 22: Goaltender Anton Khudobin #35 of the Dallas Stars warms up prior to the game against the Florida Panthers at the BB&T Center on February 22, 2021 in Sunrise, Florida. (Photo by Joel Auerbach/Getty Images) /
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EDMONTON, ALBERTA – SEPTEMBER 23: Anton Khudobin #35 of the Dallas Stars looks on from the bench against the Tampa Bay Lightning during the third period in Game Three of the 2020 NHL Stanley Cup Final at Rogers Place on September 23, 2020 in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)
EDMONTON, ALBERTA – SEPTEMBER 23: Anton Khudobin #35 of the Dallas Stars looks on from the bench against the Tampa Bay Lightning during the third period in Game Three of the 2020 NHL Stanley Cup Final at Rogers Place on September 23, 2020 in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images) /

Insurmountable pressure

Goaltenders can be the most superstitious of the bunch, thus creating vulnerability and performance psychosis. Also, the amount of pressure a guy like Anton Khudobin places on himself can break even the fiercest of men. One can conclude the immense pressure to repeat the 2020 Stanley Cup run got inside Khudobin’s head.

“Dobby” was the only goaltender with NHL experience on the Dallas Stars active roster in 2020-21. There is little doubt the pressure on Khudobin to repeat 2020’s playoff performance mounted with each start. Jake Oettinger serving as the backup goalie only worsened the situation. Oettinger held his own, but came into the season as a rookie with no NHL experience.

Perhaps, Khudobin would have been in a better place had he the luxury of an NHL veteran as relief in net.

Khudobin’s personality had waned last season and it became evident that he was not his usual self. The typically cheery Stars goaltender was often straight-faced during pregame periods and while spectating Oettinger’s starts. It is not unusual for NHL goalies to show a “game face”, but for Dobby, no smiles or jokes while on the bench was a sign of distress.

Khudobin may be soon be more distressed considering the Stars addition of Braden Holtby and the potential for Ben Bishop’s return. Not to mention, a more seasoned Oettinger also remains in the Dallas goalie fray.

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