"It's everything," Bowness said. "That's why we wanted all of those kids up in the bubble, being around the team, being around the meetings, being around the players. Just exposure to what NHL life is all about and being a good pro. Jake was on the bench, he was in the room, practices, he was involved in every one of them. All of those things helped him prepare."
Several players talked to Oettinger on the ice at the morning skate, and he spent plenty of time with goalie coach Jeff Reese. Bowness said Oettinger should feel that support.
"We're all looking forward to see him play. He's a great kid, he's a great prospect, and he needs to play," Bowness said. "Reeser does a great job with him. We all talk to the kid, but Jeff works him on a daily basis, and Jeff has got him prepared. That's the bottom line."