Earlier this week, it was uncertain if Dallas Stars’ starting goaltender Jake Oettinger would be ready for the team’s first game following the NHL’s three-week pause for the 2026 Winter Olympics. Although Oettinger arrived in Dallas in time to suit up, Stars fans remained calm largely due to the impressive play of his backup, Casey DeSmith. DeSmith stepped in on short notice and led the Stars to a 4-1 victory over the Seattle Kraken, marking Dallas’ seventh consecutive win and briefly elevating them to second place in the Central Division.
DeSmith’s performance against the Kraken was exceptional, allowing just one goal while continuing his strong run where in six of his last seven games, he has conceded two or fewer goals. His steady presence between the pipes has become a major factor in the team’s current momentum.
Casey DeSmith’s Consistent Improvement Shines Through
The 34-year-old goaltender has emerged as a crucial asset during a season where Oettinger’s numbers have dropped below expectations, despite the latter’s overall solid record. Oettinger, fresh off a gold medal win with Team USA at the Olympics, holds a 23-10-4 record but posts career-lows in goals-against average (2.73) and save percentage (.897).
Meanwhile, DeSmith boasts a career-best goals-against average of 2.31 and a save percentage of .913, placing him among the league’s top goaltenders. With just three more victories, he will match his personal best in wins for a season. This rise is remarkable considering DeSmith only became a regular NHL roster member at age 27. His improvement is not sudden, as last season marked his first in Dallas, when he recorded a .915 save percentage and a 2.59 goals-against average after signing a three-year, $1 million per year contract.
DeSmith’s Performance Evokes Memories of Anton Khudobin’s Impact
While DeSmith has not yet reached the exact level of Anton Khudobin’s role with the Stars between 2018 and 2020, comparisons are valid. Khudobin served as a dependable secondary starter behind Ben Bishop and even took over as the primary goaltender during Bishop’s absence. DeSmith’s back-to-back solid seasons represent one of the strongest stretches the Stars have seen from a backup goalie since Mike Smith’s breakthrough years in the late 2000s.
Casey DeSmith is debuting his new ’99 setup tonight. Shades of Anton Khudobin. — Sam Nestler, Commentator
This praise from analysts highlights the parallels between DeSmith’s style and effectiveness and the impact Khudobin had during his tenure. The analytics further validate DeSmith’s value; he ranks seventh in the NHL for total goals saved above expected with 14.1, surpassing many starters. Among those ahead of him are elite goaltenders like Andrei Vasilevskiy and Ilya Sorokin, both considered strong candidates for the Vezina Trophy. On a per 60 minutes basis, only Sorokin and Calgary’s Devin Cooley exceed DeSmith’s rate.
Implications of DeSmith’s Role in the Stars’ Playoff Aspirations
While the Stars and their fans are eager for Oettinger to regain his peak form to support a deep playoff push, DeSmith’s unexpected excellence has kept Dallas competitive and climbing the standings. The team’s proximity to the Colorado Avalanche in the Central Division underscores how vital DeSmith’s contributions have been in a season filled with uncertainty. His consistency provides the Stars with confidence, especially as they navigate the demanding final stretch of the campaign.
NHL Goalie GAA Leaders (2/27/2026)
1) Andrei Vasilevskiy (TBL) — 2.11
2) Brandon Bussi (CAR) — 2.23
3) Devin Cooley (CGY) — 2.27
4) Mackenzie Blackwood (COL) — 2.28
5) Scott Wedgewood (COL) — 2.29
6) Casey DeSmith (DAL) — 2.31
7) Logan Thompson (WSH) — 2.41
8) Ilya Sorokin (NYI)…— Stats Drop (@StatsDrop) February 27, 2026
Casey DeSmith is debuting his new '99 setup tonight.
Shades of Anton Khudobin.
— Sam Nestler (@samnestler) November 30, 2025
