Jacob Markstrom and Jake Oettinger handshake line
(Screenshot/ Sportsnet)

Real recognizes real.

Calgary Flames’ netminder Jacob Markstrom was in awe of Dallas Stars’ goalie Jake Oettinger following his Game 7 performance Sunday. Oettinger turned away 64 of 69 shots in a 3-2 overtime win for the Flames.

Even though the Stars were eliminated from the postseason, Oettinger is being labeled the MVP of Round 1. The 23-year-old American goalie had a phenomenal series versus Calgary, stopping 272 of 285 shots for a .955 save percentage.

After the Flames eliminated the Stars on Sunday, the two teams met for the traditional handshake line. Cameras captured the handshake embrace between the two goalies, and it was awesome. Markstrom looked completely in awe of Oettinger and his ridiculous performance.

Markstrom appears to tell Oettinger in the handshake line. “You’re awesome man. Keep it going man. You’ve got a great f**king future”. Check it out:

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Markstrom didn’t have a bad series himself, stopping 155 of 164 shots through seven games. Oettinger performance was on another level, however. The Dallas goalie already ranks among the greats for the amount of saves he made during Round 1.

Most saves in an NHL Playoff series
(Photo Credit: @SNStats/ Twitter)

If you still aren’t sold on Oettinger, consider that the Flames had a whopping 129 shot attempts in Game 7 compared to Dallas’ 55. Despite Calgary cleary being the superior team, the Stars came one goal away from eliminating them.

Markstrom’s face in the handshake line represents most hockey fans reactions to Oettinger’s performance. Calgary coach Darryl Sutter also stated in his post-game interview that Oettinger was the best player in the series.

Oettinger deserved to advance onto Round 2, but the Flames’ winning means we get the Battle of Alberta in Round 2. Even though the focus will now shift to this nasty Canadian rivalry, don’t forget Oettinger’s legendary performance in Round 1.