The Dallas Stars are set to confirm Jake Oettinger as the starting goaltender for their game against the Carolina Hurricanes on January 21, 2025.

Backup goaltender Casey DeSmith's performance has been inconsistent, which has affected betting lines during his 12 starts this season.

DeSmith's best performances have led to improved betting lines, while his poor outings have caused lines to drop, reflecting decreased confidence from bettors.

The announcement of a backup goaltender can significantly influence betting lines, but multiple factors determine these movements.

Trends show that confidence in betting lines often drops significantly when backup goaltenders start, particularly for teams like the Nashville Predators and Winnipeg Jets.

In the NHL, only eight teams have a clear starter who plays more than 70% of games, highlighting the increasing reliance on goalie tandems.

The Hurricanes are coming off a victory with Fredrik Andersen returning, while Pyotr Kochetkov is expected to start against the Stars.

This season, the Stars have shown a mixed performance with a 5-5 record as favorites and 1-1 as underdogs when Casey DeSmith is in net, indicating potential risks for bettors.

Conversely, some teams, such as the Edmonton Oilers, see improved odds when their backup, Calvin Pickard, is in net due to a favorable record.

The Stars have a strong home record of 16-6 as favorites and are known for producing lower-scoring games, making the under bet appealing.

The NHL lacks an official source for starting goaltender announcements, relying instead on social media and lineup cards before games.

Over the past 15 years, the announcement of probable and confirmed starters has evolved, providing bettors with more timely information.