Jake Oettinger and Dallas Stars even up the series at two games each

Back in 2017, the Dallas Stars were offered a trade by the Chicago Blackhawks to move up in the first round so they could draft someone a bit down the board. The Stars were kind of surprised by it and said sure. That led to the Stars drafting the player who would later become their future franchise goaltender.

Jake Oettinger was lights out last night in Game 4. He made save after save on breakaways and even strength opportunities. The Stars would end up winning 3-2 against the Minnesota Wild and even the series up at two. The Stars adverted falling to the brink of elimination and a hole they probably wouldn’t have gotten out of. With the series tied up at 2 and the Stars hosting most of the remaining games, there shouldn’t be an excuse not to advance to the second round of the playoffs.

Dallas Stars vs Minnesota Wild Recap: 3. Tyler Seguin stepped up on the power play

The Stars were in a rut trying to score being at even strength yesterday. Tyler Seguin stepped up to the plate and put two power play goals in the back of the net. While that’s nice, this is another game where the Stars relied on Wild penalties to score. Evegenii Dadonov did score an even-strength goal last night but the Stars have got to get back to scoring at even strength. I can tell you our next opponent would take advantage of that.

 Dallas Stars vs Minnesota Wild Recap: 2. Stars punched back after an embarrassing loss

The Stars came back from getting embarrassed in game 3 and tied this series up in game 4. I know Papa Joe was smiling from ear to ear as his team forced game 6 which is a game that he could be back for. I know he won’t be back for game 5 in Dallas Tuesday. It would be a shock if he even skated during warmups Tuesday night.

The Stars accomplished getting revenge for the Wild embarrassing them in game 3. In conclusion, the Stars have to punch the Wild in the mouth two more times this season to advance to the second round of the playoffs.

 Dallas Stars vs Minnesota Wild Recap: 1. Otter Mania

Oettinger was at the top of his game once again when the Stars needed him the most last night. I would have to say that was the Otter that we saw in game 7 against Calgary last season. He shook off that performance in game 5 Friday night and was back to normal.

He stopped 32 of 34 shot attempts and kept the Minnesota Wild at bay last night. I don’t know who the GM will be when his contract extension is up again but he needs to offer whatever Oettinger wants. Let’s not start another search for a franchise goaltender, we already have one and that’s him.