The Stars (34-24-3) are in a tight race for a playoff spot and have been in a 1-4-0 slide. So going in against a hot Washington team (35-19-10) was a real challenge, especially after losing on Long Island Saturday and having to play Oettinger on consecutive days and for the 14th time in the past 15 games. Holtby is nursing a lower-body injury, so Oettinger has to come through. Coach Rick Bowness told the 23-year-old that if he felt even the slightest fatigue to let him know, but Oettinger said he wants the chance to help his team win.
"This is what I want," he said. "I want to be playing every game. Backing up is no fun. Like I said earlier, I have a great opportunity in front of me and hopefully I can just keep being a difference-maker for this team and come up with big stops at the right time."
Oettinger certainly is coming through. He pushed his record to 21-10-1 with a 2.48 GAA and .918 save percentage and might be as responsible as anyone for the Stars playing this well right now.
"He's been really good, really good," said Pavelski said. "He's done his job. He's given us a chance. He's made some key saves throughout a night."
Pavelski's line helped provide the scoring on Sunday. The top line has been in a bit of a slump, but Hintz scored twice - one in transition off a pretty pass from Jason Robertson, and one on a one-timer in the slot from Pavelski. They were beautiful plays and signs that maybe that trio is starting to click again.
"We caught them on a change, and when you do that, it gives you confidence," Stars coach Rick Bowness said. "Just getting that one goal, that gave us a boost."