Jake Oettinger to Start Tuesday, Aims for Elite Comeback After 2023-24 Dip

Jake Oettinger is slated to protect the home net against the Islanders on Tuesday. The 25-year-old netminder experienced an "off year" in 2023-24, despite ranking sixth in NHL wins (35), his 2.72 GAA barely cracked the top-20, and his .905 save percentage tied for 25th among goalies with 25+ starts. His GSAx (goals saved above expectation) significantly dropped from eighth-best in 2022-23 to 50th last season. Despite this, Oettinger is considered one of the world's best young goalies, with two All-Star appearances and two top-five Vezina Trophy votes in his three full seasons. With Casey DeSmith as a "sturdy, but unspectacular" backup, Oettinger is expected to log 55-60 starts and return to elite form, with his best years likely ahead. His 2022-23 season saw him go 37-11-11 with a 2.37 GAA and a .919 save percentage over 62 games, establishing him as a full-time starter.