Jake Oettinger sends strong message on Stars' offensive weapons ahead of NHL playoffs originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Dallas Stars goalie Jake Oettinger addressed the advantages of having two elite forwards like Jason Robertson and Wyatt Johnston following the 2-0 victory against the New York Rangers on Saturday.
Oettinger, 29, revealed that both Johnston, 22, and Robertson, 26, work hard on those offensive details, and it is no coincidence that they can change the angle of their shots at the last second.
"You got two 40-goal scorers. You faced them many times. What is a shot like that from Jason, or the shot like Wyatt when he won in overtime? They just, they find a way to manipulate the puck in close," a reporter asked after the game against the Rangers.
Oettinger responded, "They both work super hard on that stuff. I think if you came to practice or just saw them on a day-to-day basis, it wouldn't surprise you how much they work on that stuff and work on their game and try to learn what the goalies are doing.
"They're just both super smart on the ice. They're just great guys, and we're lucky to have them," he added.
Johnston has recorded 44 goals and 41 assists in 80 games this season with the Stars, for a total of 85 points. Robertson, meanwhile, has scored 44 goals and recorded 50 assists for a total of 94 points in 80 games.
Despite Dallas generally adopting a more defensive style, they have high-impact offensive weapons. The team still needs to improve its puck possession, but it is undeniable that it has the offensive arsenal to make a difference in the playoffs.
Up next, Dallas visits Toronto at Scotiabank Arena on Monday, April 13, at 6:30 p.m. CT, 7:30 p.m. ET.
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