Should Jake Oettinger Start Against Germany?
The men’s hockey tournament at the 2026 Winter Olympics is heating up as Team USA has already secured first place in Group C. Victories against Latvia and Denmark have solidified their status ahead of the quarterfinals. However, their upcoming match against Germany on Sunday holds little consequence for their positioning.
Should Jake Oettinger Start Against Germany?
As Team USA prepares for the match against Germany, discussions have emerged around the potential for Jake Oettinger, the third goaltender on the roster, to make his debut. The U.S. has relied on Connor Hellebuyck and Jeremy Swayman in previous games. Swayman notably struggled against Denmark, raising questions about the team’s goalie strategy moving forward.
Goaltending Situation
- Connor Hellebuyck has been the primary goaltender.
- Jeremy Swayman played the last match but had a challenging performance.
- Jake Oettinger has yet to see any ice time in the tournament.
Analyst Steve Peters discussed the necessity of giving Oettinger some playing time. He emphasized the risks of relying solely on Hellebuyck, who has played only once in the last ten days. Oettinger’s lack of game experience could pose significant challenges in critical matches if he is called upon later in the tournament.
Possible Coaching Strategies
There are suggestions that the coaching staff might consider treating the game against Germany as an opportunity for Oettinger. Steve Peters proposed a strategy where Hellebuyck starts but plays limited minutes, allowing Oettinger to gain experience in the later stages of the game.
- Start Hellebuyck to maintain continuity.
- Give Oettinger a chance to get comfortable on the ice.
- Avoid putting Oettinger in high-pressure situations without prior preparation.
While there is speculation about whether Oettinger will actually start against Germany, the need for him to get some game action before knockout rounds is evident. This matchup could serve as a crucial learning experience for him and a safety net for Team USA as they progress through the tournament.
