Goaltenders around the NHL have received massive paydays as of late. The Boston Bruins signed Jeremy Swayman to an eight-year contract before the season began. Additionally, the Ottawa Senators signed Linus Ullmark to a four-year contract to keep him around for the foreseeable future.

They were willing to wait a little bit to lock up their No. 1 goaltender, and that patience paid off.

To Oettinger’s credit, he and backup Casey DeSmith, who shut out Seattle in his lone appearance, have papered over the Stars’ issues at even-strength. In fact, the goaltenders have allowed fewer than half of the goals a goaltender would be expected to allow on average, given the chances the Stars have given up.