"Brutal coaching decision": NHL twitter shocked as Stars HC pulls goalie Jake Oettinger extremely early in 1st period of Game 5

Dallas Stars coach Peter DeBoer made a controversial decision by pulling starting goaltender Jake Oettinger in the first period of Game 5 in the Stars-Oilers Western Conference Final clash.

DeBoer yanked Oettinger after the Oilers scored two goals on two shots in a five-minute span, giving the Oilers a 2-0 lead less than eight minutes into the game.

The decision set off a firestorm of online comments with fans expressing their discontent. Here’s a look at what some of these fans had to say on X:

Meanwhile, other fans took advantage of the opportunity to highlight Oettinger’s struggles this postseason. Let’s look at what these fans wrote on social media:

The Dallas Stars got back into the game, scoring at various points throughout the game, despite Jake Oettinger's unceremonious dismissal early in the game.

Jake Oettinger and Stars eliminated with Game 5 loss to Edmonton Oilers

Jake Oettinger and the Dallas Stars got their offseason started following their 6-3 loss in Game 5 against the Edmonton Oilers.

Oettinger did not return to the game, leaving backup Casey DeSmith to handle the crease. DeSmith surrendered three goals on 20 shots.

Meanwhile, the Oilers got production throughout their lineup as Corey Perry (PPG), Mattias Janmark, Jeff Skinner, Connor McDavid, Evander Kane, and Kasperi Kapanen scored the goals for Edmonton.

The Stars inched close twice, trailing 3-2 and 4-3 in the game. However, the Oilers pulled away, adding two third-period markers to ice the win and punch their ticket to the Stanley Cup Final where they will meet the Florida Panthers in a rematch of last year’s Cup Final.

Dallas will now face a series of offseason question marks. The club has numerous key UFAs, and, amid salary cap issues, may not be able to keep everyone in the fold next season. That is why some tough decisions loom for Dallas this upcoming summer.

The hope is that a full season from Mikko Rantanen and the return of the team’s core players will allow the Stars to get back into contention. Perhaps next season will be the year when Dallas finally breaks through and reaches the Stanley Cup Final.

About the author

Nestor is an NHL and MLB writer at Sportskeeda with over 10 years of experience. Growing up in Toronto, he became an avid Maple Leafs and Blue Jays fan, but also admires the New York Islanders and Los Angeles Dodgers for their dominance in the 80s. Holding an Economics and Education major, Nestor’s passion for writing and sporting events led him to take up reporting about the sport professionally.

Nestor credits the Leafs’ playoff runs in the early '90s as having a lasting impact on him. His favorite players are Doug Gilmour and Mike Bossy, as he feels they were tough, talented leaders, while Pat Burns is his favorite coach of all time for always preaching a fast-paced game.

Growing up in Canada, it was natural for Nestor to become interested in ice hockey and he played Minor Hockey as a teenager, which has given him a unique perspective on the sport. Nestor has mastered the art of how to best present facts and he also has a knack for knowing which sources can be trusted, and which can't for stories.

When he is not writing about Canada’s national passion, Nestor enjoys running and hiking.

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