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What is a realistic regular season look like for Jake Oettinger this year?

By Brian Sweet |
May 29, 2023; Dallas, Texas, USA; Dallas Stars goaltender Jake Oettinger (29) takes the ice to face the Vegas Golden Knights before the game between the Stars and the Golden Knights game six of the Western Conference Finals of the 2023 Stanley Cup Playoffs at American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
May 29, 2023; Dallas, Texas, USA; Dallas Stars goaltender Jake Oettinger (29) takes the ice to face the Vegas Golden Knights before the game between the Stars and the Golden Knights game six of the Western Conference Finals of the 2023 Stanley Cup Playoffs at American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

He’s probably one of the most popular athletes in the DFW Metroplex right now outside of Luka Doncic. In his first full season as the starting goaltender, Jake Oettinger has risen to superstar fame. From his highlight reel saves on the ice to how zoned in he was during most of the playoff run, the Stars have found their next franchise goaltender. What can fans expect this season as Oettinger continues his career as the Stars’ starting goaltender? Let’s take a look at what you can expect.

Jake Oettinger 2023-24 season: How many games does he play in the regular season?

I can tell you right now, he will not be playing as many games as he did last season. Last year, Oettinger played in 81 games, regular season and playoffs combined. That’s a pretty big task to take on in your first full year as a starting goaltender. If it weren’t for the Scott Wedgewood injury and DeBoer’s reluctance to play Matt Murray it probably would have been less than that. He would probably not have hit the fatigue wall during the Western Conference Finals against the Vegas Golden Knights.

I think Oettinger realistically should play 45-50 regular season games this season. Now that might change if Wedgewood gets injured or he just wants to play. That’s how many games he should have played last season if it wasn’t for the injury to the backup goaltender. Hopefully this season it will be quiet on the injury front for the goaltender position.

Jake Oettinger 2023-24 season: Conclusion

As we conclude this article, I will not predict his final record, stats, and awards that he might win next season. I don’t want to jinx next season for him and other Stars’ fans. However, if Oettinger gets his normal rest throughout the season, he will be ready to make another deep playoff run if the team remains healthy and everyone does their jobs. Fans can’t wait to see what strides Otter makes in his second full season as the Stars’ franchise goaltender.

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