It’s a dream come true for an athlete when their childhood hero singles them out for praise on national TV. Dallas Stars goaltender Jake Oettinger reacted appropriately when it happened to him Wednesday night.
TNT’s postgame show interviewed Oettinger, and analyst Henrik Lundqvist, who had a Hall of Fame career as a goaltender with the New York Rangers, praised the Dallas star.
“I love everything about your game,” Lundqvist said.
Oettinger couldn’t hide his surprise and delight, revealing that as a young player he admired Lundqvist.
Studio host Liam McHugh asked Oettinger, “Jake, how great is it, being 25 years old, coming on national TV, and the first thing you hear is Henrik Lundqvist saying, ‘I love everything about your game.'”
“That’s kind of a pinch-me moment,” Oettinger said. “Hank’s my favorite goalie of all time so to get to be talking to you and Hank now is pretty cool and a dream come true. So I look up to you a lot and it’s just an honor to have you say those kind words about me.”
“Thanks Jake, I’m a big fan of your game,” Lundqvist said. “I really enjoy watching you play. Good luck down the stretch.”
from last night’s @NHL_On_TNT postgame show — what an incredible goalie moment between @HLundqvist and Jake Oettinger @DallasStars pic.twitter.com/XbZbvZGoNE
— Liam McHugh (@liam_mchugh) April 4, 2024
“That was very cool,” McHugh said, echoing the thoughts of many who caught the moment.
This is very cool.
Jake is so calm and well-spoken, yet so respectful. He’s 25 year old Jamie Benn reincarnate. Even sounds like him. https://t.co/QDaihQweWW
— Andrew Johnston (@ThunderbirdRay) April 4, 2024
Outstanding job teeing them up, Liam. Great moment.
— Ronn Pearson (@ronnpearson) April 4, 2024
Nice to see some humility, easy guy to root for!
— Dan Ferreira (@F_B_Gaming) April 4, 2024
[Liam McHugh, TNT; Photo Credit: NHL on TNT]
About Arthur Weinstein
Arthur spends his free time traveling around the U.S. to sporting events, state and national parks, and in search of great restaurants off the beaten path.