Fresh off first shutout, rookie Oettinger earns another start for Stars

Stars (7-8-4, 18 points) vs. Predators (10-14-0, 20 points)

DALLAS -- Jake Oettinger has had a series of firsts this season.
The 22-year-old rookie on Saturday recorded his first NHL shutout with a 21-save performance against Columbus, so he will now get his first back-to-back starts -- drawing the net for a 7 p.m. game (TV: FSSW; Radio: KTCK-FM) against Nashville on Sunday.
Oettinger has been playing well and is 3-1-3 so far. He said after Saturday's win that he feels strong support from his teammates and coach Rick Bowness.
"The guys around me are so good and they make me feel like they believe in me no matter what, and the coaches as well, I think," Oettinger said. "Multiple times this year Bones has texted me after games whether it is a win or a loss. That does so much for a young goalie, and to have the feeling of the guys believing in you and that they want you to succeed is really special and something I don't take for granted."

Anton Khudobin and injured Ben Bishop posed with Oettinger holding his shutout puck after the game, and Oettinger said their support even in the bubble last season has been crucial. He added that getting to work with goalie coach Jeff Reese has been a big help.
"I'm just lucky to be part of such a great group of guys and so many good leaders in that room that have helped me so much so far this season," Oettinger said. "And, I just think the work that Jeff Reese and I have done day in and day out has helped me feel ready for each start and hopefully I can continue to get more and more comfortable and just keep working on my game bit by bit."
Bowness said that Oettinger is an easy player to work with and cheer for.

"I just go by feel," Bowness said when asked how he decided to communicate with young players. "Rookies put a lot of pressure on themselves, and sometimes when it doesn't go well you've got to reach out to them right away and you've got to let them know that you've got their back and that you are going to support them through some tough times.
"I have nothing but respect for Jake, and if he loses a game and he plays well, he has to know that the coach knows he played well and he did his job and gave us a chance to win regardless of the final score. That's Jake. He's a great kid."
As for the decision to start him on back-to-back nights, Bowness said it wasn't difficult.
"We knew last night Jake was going to play," Bowness said. "He only had 21 shots, and this kid works hard in the gym, on the ice, he's the first on, last off. His conditioning is great, so we're not worried about that one bit."

Hintz a 'game-time decision' for Stars

Roope Hintz is again a "game-time decision," because of his nagging lower-body injury.
The 24-year-old center has played in 14 of 19 games, has 12 points (five goals, seven assists) and is averaging 18:39 in time on ice. Hintz was tripped and fell hard into the end boards in the second period Saturday, but he got up and finished the game, playing 16:36 and tallying a goal and an assist.
"When he went down, I winced and thought that it hurt, and I was happy to see him get up," Bowness said. "It shows his value to the team and it shows you how much we miss him when he is not playing, but, again, this is going to be a nagging injury that he is going to deal with, and for him to keep coming back tonight after the spill -- that shows you his commitment as well."

Bowness said he pretty much allows Hintz to deal with his treatment and then advise the coaching staff on his availability. On Thursday, he skated in the morning, but then had an issue with the undisclosed injury and couldn't play that night. On Saturday, he didn't have a problem.
"He is playing through it and I give him nothing but respect for doing that," Bowness said. "Also, tonight, you realize how much we need him -- on the penalty kill and on the power play. Everything he does, he is such an important part of our team. Every time he goes down, I hold my breath and hope he gets up."
Joe Pavelski, who scored off of Hintz's assist on Saturday, said Hintz is a huge factor for the Stars.
"Roope has been good all year," Pavelski said. "When he is in the lineup, he definitely gives us a different element."

Klingberg welcomes first child, not expected to play

Defenseman John Klingberg and his girlfriend, Fanny, welcomed a baby girl in the early morning hours Sunday, so the Stars are not anticipating him playing tonight.
The guess is that Mark Pysyk would jump into the lineup after two healthy scratches. Pysyk and Klingberg are both right-handed, so that would allow for some balance.
Bowness said that Alexander Radulov, who will miss his 13th consecutive game tonight with a lower body injury, is still a week away from playing.

By the numbers

.898

Once known as a goaltending factory, Nashville has struggled this season. The Predators rank 27th in save percentage at .898. Pekka Rinne is 5-9-0 with a 2.94 goals against average and .900 save percentage.

.917

Dallas ranks fourth in save percentage at .917 and fourth in GAA at 2.40. However, the Stars rank 26th in scoring at 2.65 goals per game and 31st in shots on goal per game at 26.1

8

In nine career games against Nashville, Hintz has eight points (two goals, six assists).

He said it

"Every year is a little different, but I'm definitely finding myself with some space. It was a nice play into me there with the down and in, and Roope Hintz] taps it to me in the slot and I got a great look, and it goes in. So, I have just found myself in some good spots at times and hit a few shots and try to stick with it. As we generate the momentum, the touches, the shots and the puck recoveries, you get those chances, and you get those looks. It's great to have guys moving it and you find yourself with the puck in the slot at times." *-- Stars forward Joe Pavelski on his nine power-play goals, which lead the NHL*
*This story was not subject to the approval of the National Hockey League or Dallas Stars Hockey Club.*
***[Mike Heikais a Senior Staff Writer for DallasStars.com and has covered the Stars since 1994. Follow him on Twitter @MikeHeika, and listen to his podcast*.