The $132 million American goalie duel

A look at some of the similarities and differences between Jake Oettinger and Jeremy Swayman.

It was a $132 million duel when the Dallas Stars beat the Boston Bruins 7-2 on Thursday.

(Editor’s note: based off the result of this game “duel” feels a way off, but you get the point.)

We, of course, are talking about Jake Oettinger and Jeremey Swayman, goalies and friends who signed matching eight-year contract extensions this fall worth $8.25 million per season.

The goalies also happen to be in a battle for the backup job with Team USA at the Four Nations Faceoff in February behind Connor Hellebuyck.

And while they are linked, Oettinger and Swayman aren’t identical in how they do their respective job in net. This was also our only chance to see them share the ice in a game this season after Casey DeSmith got the start in Boston.

So that’s what I focused on Thursday, and that’s where I want to go with this piece.