In today’s NHL news and rumours rundown, Jake Oettinger and Pete DeBoer spoke to the media in their end-of-season press conference and had some things to say about the situation in Game 5. Elsewhere, J.J. Peterka could be on his way out of Buffalo, whether it be via trade or offer sheet. Finally, with so many questions surrounding the Toronto Maple Leafs, it seems like the one about Morgan Rielly‘s future has been answered.
After being pulled early in Game 5 of the Western Conference Final, there were some reports that this could be the end of either DeBoer or Oettinger in Dallas. Yesterday’s column covered the whole situation, but on May 31, both the head coach and superstar goaltender spoke to the media and gave some clarity.
DeBoer was up to the podium first and revealed that there was some conversation about starting Casey DeSmith in Game 4 against the Edmonton Oilers. The coach stated that Oettinger was dealing with an “upper respiratory thing” and could have used the night off.
As Steve “Dangle” Glynn points out on X, it is odd that DeBoer would use the sample size heading back into last playoffs as part of the decision as reasoning for pulling Oettinger after two goals, saying “Combine the two and you arrive at “He’s sick but he still stunk when he wasn’t.”
Related: Oettinger and Stars Done? Plus More NHL News & Rumors
Once Oettinger took the stand, he was, of course, asked about the situation and said that he was surprised by the decision, but will use it to be better, followed by saying “It sucks. It’s embarrasing” as Lia Assimakopoulos posts on X.
Oettinger continued by saying that he wasn’t concerned about the relationship between himself and the head coach, and that his focus is on being the best goalie in the world, and letting his game speak for itself.
Peterka Heading Out Of Buffalo?
On an episode of DFO Rundown, Frank Seravalli reported that at least a quarter of the Buffalo Sabres’ roster is unhappy with the team direction, and there could be a lot of roster movement this summer. He indicated that Owen Power, Mattias Samuelsson, Alex Tuch, and others could be shopped.
Peterka is…
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