{"id":458419,"date":"2026-02-15T01:33:12","date_gmt":"2026-02-15T01:33:12","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nhl\/458419\/"},"modified":"2026-02-15T01:33:12","modified_gmt":"2026-02-15T01:33:12","slug":"calls-for-jake-oettinger-ring-out-after-jeremy-swaymans-olympics-gaffe","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nhl\/458419\/","title":{"rendered":"Calls for Jake Oettinger ring out after Jeremy Swayman\u2019s Olympics gaffe"},"content":{"rendered":"

Several members of the sports world weren\u2019t thrilled with Jeremy Swayman\u2019s performance in Saturday\u2019s U.S.-Denmark men\u2019s hockey matchup at the Milan Cortina Olympics<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Late in the first period, Swayman gave up a goal from 95 feet out that could get talked about for years to come. Nicholas B. Jensen sent a seemingly harmless shot toward Swayman from just past the center red line. Swayman moved his glove, and the puck went in over his right shoulder.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt was just the perfect height right between the stands and board level, and I truly lost it,\u201d Swayman said after the U.S. came back to win 6-3.<\/a> \u201cDefinitely one I went back, but at the same time, especially at this level, you\u2019ve got to stay even-keeled. It\u2019s one shot at a time and no matter how they go in, you\u2019ve got to step up and stop the next one.\u201d<\/p>\n

Related<\/p>\n

\"United<\/p>\n

Sports Roundup<\/p>\n

Get the latest D-FW sports news, analysis and opinion delivered straight to your inbox. Plus, Kevin Sherrington’s A La Carte.<\/p>\n

By signing up, you agree to our\u00a0Terms of Service<\/a>\u00a0and\u00a0Privacy Policy.<\/a><\/p>\n

Coach Mike Sullivan said he never considered pulling Swayman, who allowed two goals on seven shots in the first period. Sullivan insisted Connor Hellebuyck, who figures to start Sunday night against Germany, dressing as the backup did not factor into his thinking.<\/p>\n

The gaffe led to multiple calls for Stars goalie Jake Oettinger<\/a> online. Oettinger hasn\u2019t dressed out for the United States\u2019 first two Winter Olympic matchups. Hellebuyck started for the U.S. against Latvia on Thursday, while Swayman was in goal Saturday.<\/p>\n

Here\u2019s a look at the social media reaction revolving around Swayman and Oettinger:<\/p>\n

So, I think you dress Jake Oettinger next game…<\/p>\n

\u2014 Lia Assimakopoulos (@Lassimak) February 14, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n

Jeremy Swayman over Jake Oettinger might be one of the dumbest decisions Mike Sullivan\u2019s ever made.<\/p>\n

\u2014 Chris Halicke (@ChrisHalicke) February 14, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n

I don\u2019t think I am being biased here. <\/p>\n

Jake Oettinger better start against Germany.<\/p>\n

\u2014 Sam Nestler (@samnestler) February 14, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n

Hellebuyck has to play tomorrow as your #1 netminder can\u2019t have too many days off.
Jake Oettinger needs to dress out and play a little to stay sharp.
If not, it\u2019s a big mistake.
Weird things happen in short tournaments (see Finland 2014) you need to have options that are ready<\/p>\n

\u2014 Bruce LeVine (@BruceLeVinePuck) February 14, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n

That \u201cWHAT A SAVE BY OETTINGER\u201d call is gonna hit so hard tomorrow<\/p>\n

\u2014 StarsCountdown (@StarsCountdown) February 14, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n

It is absolute malpractice on the part of the US coaching staff to dress Hellebuyck as the backup for this game knowing full well that he\u2019s being saved for tomorrow. Dressing Oettinger at least gives you the option to make a change and Swayman clearly doesn\u2019t have it. #Olympics<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014 Kevin Durso (@Kevin_Durso) February 14, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n

Team USA captain Auston Matthews voiced his support for Jeremy Swayman, who had a tough few moments against Denmark:<\/p>\n

\u201cHe knows we have his back,\u201d Matthews said. \u201cThose are tough plays sometimes and they happen. We got his back all the time no matter what so good on the guys to\u2026<\/p>\n

\u2014 Larry Henry Jr (@lhenry019) February 14, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n

Mike Sullivan had a one word answer when I asked if he considered pulling Jeremy Swayman: \u201cNo.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u2014 Stephen Whyno (@SWhyno) February 14, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n

If I\u2019m Jake Oettinger I tell the US brass \u201cI\u2019m cool not risking injury while getting a two week vacation in Milan. You made your bed.\u201d And then walk away while wearing a Jason Robertson jersey.<\/p>\n

\u2014 Brandon Velaski (@bvelaski) February 14, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n

No idea if Mike Sullivan is thinking about yanking Swayman after nervous start – USA as a whole looks disjointed – but there is a layer that wouldn’t exist if Jake Oettinger was backing up tonight. No schedule repercussions. Hellebuyck rests, good for Sunday vs. Germany.<\/p>\n

\u2014 Frank Seravalli (@frank_seravalli) February 14, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n

Find more Stars coverage from The Dallas Morning News here<\/a>.<\/p>\n