The Power Within II: Excerpt with Dallas Stars Jake Oettinger
- Oettinger was the only goaltender selected in the first round of the 2017 NHL Draft, taken 26th overall by the Dallas Stars.
- He posted a .917 save percentage in his AHL rookie season before earning his first NHL start in 2021.
- Oettinger was named alternate captain in his final season at Boston University, signaling leadership maturity beyond his years.
- The Power Within II by Justin Goldman and Mike Valley includes a full chapter on Oettinger's mental approach to goaltending under pressure.
- Dallas Stars coach staff trusted Oettinger to start despite Ben Bishop being sidelined, viewing him as the franchise goalie of the future.
Photo courtesy of Stars (photo by Jeff Toates)
As Jake Oettinger prepares for his first start in the NHL with the Dallas Stars, you can count on the 22-year-old rookie not to get overwhelmed by — or distracted in — the moment.
Oettinger, who got his first taste of NHL action in a pair relief appearances in the playoff bubble in Edmonton last summer, could get that first start this weekend with the Stars, who are facing back-to-back games and without usual No.1 goalie Ben Bishop until at least March because of offseason knee surgery. For a peak into his mindset heading into such a big moment, we turn an excerpt from The Power Within II, the latest book from Justin Goldman and Mike Valley.
The new book includes a full chapter with Oettinger, who was the only goalie selected in the first round (No. 26) of the 2017 NHL Draft, and the mindset he adopted during a standout three-year NCAA career that included being named an alternate captain his final season at Boston University, and while posting a .917 save percentage as an AHL rookie last year.
As you’ll see from this excerpt, it’s little wonder the Stars see Oettinger as their goalie of the future, and aren’t worried about how he’ll handle the big moment in front of him now.
Jake Oettinger practicing in his new Bauer HyperLite gear. Video courtesy of Dallas Stars / Jeff Toates
Remember, you can also hear more from the authors on Episode 101 of the InGoal Radio Podcast, and we’ve already featured a pair of insightful excerpts here at Premium:
Robin Lehner shared how he’s slowed the game down visually and mentally
Florida goalie coach Robb Tallas shared a lesson from Roberto Luongo on handling mistakes
We’ve got more excerpts planned for Premium Members, so stay tuned.
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