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

Dallas Stars goaltender Anton Khudobin quickly became a fan favorite during the 2020 Stanley Cup Playoffs. The “Fighting Khazakstaniazn Scorpion” then struggled mightily over the 2020-21 season.

What caused Khudobin’s drop in production and what should the Stars do with the netminder, moving forward?

Anton Khudobin posted a 2.22 GAA with a .930 SV% across 30 games during the Stars 2019-20 Stanley Cup run. He followed up with a 2.54 GAA and .905 SV% over 32 games in 2020-21. One can conclude there were many reasons that resulted in the 35-year old’s struggles last season.

The biggest reason for Khudobin’s struggles last season was arguably the Dallas Stars inconsistent schedule.

Abormal scheduling

The 2020-21 season was abnormal from the start, as the NHL was learning to adapt to play during a pandemic. The Dallas Stars felt the abnormalities more than most, beginning the season with 17 COVID-19 cases. The infections resulted in a four game delay that were in addition to an already-condensed schedule. Such fluctuation in games left Khudobin with little wiggle room while also skewing his routines and comfort zone.

“Hockey is not meant to be played four in six, let alone what we’re going to do. This is going to be incredibly taxing on our players, there’s no questions.” -Rick Bowness “Hockey is not meant to be played four in six, let alone what we’re going to do. This is going to be incredibly taxing on our players, there’s no questions.” -Rick Bowness

The Stars faced much tribulation after the NHL frantically rescheduled their postponed games. As a result, Khudobin faced a treacherous schedule that included 43 games in 76 days.

“Hockey is not meant to be played four in six, let alone what we’re going to do”, said head coach Rick Bowness. “This is going to be incredibly taxing on our players, there’s no questions.”

Bowness seemingly predicted the future as the Stars lost Roope Hintz and Alexander Radulov to significant injuries.

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.

What the Stars should do with Anton Khudobin

The likelihood of a rebound season means moving on from Anton Khudobin carries too much risk. There is reason to believe Dobby isn’t done blessing Stars fans with spectacular saves. It is also worth discussing Dallas’s poor history in parting ways with key veteran players.

We should recall when the Stars elected not to pick up Brett Hull’s option following the 2000-01 season. Hull had expressed a willingness to take a pay cut to remain in Dallas, but the Stars allowed him to enter free agency. Such decision resulted in the Detroit Red Wings hoisting the Stanley Cup with Hull in 2002. The Stars also took a large step back.

There is also speculation Hull purposely spurned the Stars in 2004 by signing with the then-Phoenix Coyotes. The signing came almost immediately after Hull scheduled a meeting with Dallas.

The Brett Hull example is not to imply Khudobin is of equal ability as the Hall of Fame forward. The example is simply a reminder to Stars fans how poor choices in managing veteran players can come back haunt the franchise. The last thing Dallas needs is an angry Khudobin ending up on a rival team and with a chip on his shoulder.