Dallas Stars fans aren’t the only ones disappointed by Jake Oettinger’s lack of playing time in the Milano-Cortina Winter Olympics.
Stars forward Matt Duchene joined Sportsradio 96.7 FM/1310 The Ticket (KTCK-AM) on Wednesday, where he shared some thoughts on his Dallas teammates competing in this year’s Olympic Games. Duchene said he and Oettinger have kept in touch over the Olympic break, although they haven’t had many hockey-related discussions.
“I know he’s just very grateful to be part of that team and it’s tough,” Duchene said. “I really wanted him to get a game in, and really hoping for him to get a game in. Hopefully, maybe that still happens, but we’ll see. He’s still young. He’s going to play in more than one of these, so his time might be coming.”
Oettinger hasn’t played for Team USA in the Olympic tournament, but he has dressed out as the team’s backup for two games. Oettinger backed up Connor Hellebuyck in the United States’ wins over Germany and Sweden.
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Several fans took to social media last Saturday to make a push for Oettinger to start after Jeremy Swayman allowed a long-distance goal in a win over Denmark. Oettinger, 27, should have plenty of time left to represent the U.S. in other Olympic Games.
Oettinger and Team USA advanced to the Olympic hockey tournament semifinals with a 2-1 overtime win over Sweden on Wednesday. Can Oettinger return to Dallas with a gold medal in hand?
Listen to the rest of Duchene’s radio appearance here.
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