2011 NHL Playoffs; Is Anti-Niemi the Right Way to go for San Jose?
When you have a goalie like Antti Niemi, it's pretty hard to lose games. Niemi is one of the best goalies when it comes to the leg, and he can use his glove, too. But when his team struggles, you wonder where Niemi is.
And if he's ready.
Niemi has gave up 17 goals in this series against Vancouver, including 14 in the last three games. He's been pulled twice, and Antero Nittymaki stepped up for him by saving all but one shot in his two appearances (29 of 30 shots).
In the Canucks 4-2 victory over San Jose, Niemi gave up four goals in Vancouver's 13 shots. Sure, the last Vancouver goal was nearly impossible to save, and he made a great save in the first, but he still needs to play better.
Every team still in the playoffs except for San Jose has recorded a shutout. That's funny, because Niemi has had 17 chances to do it, while the Bruins and Lightning only had 15. 9 of the 16 teams have recorded shutouts this postseason.
Niemi was strong for about a period and a half, until he let three goals in in a span of 1:55. On each goal, one of the Sedin twins was on the right side, perpendicular to the net, before passing to Sami Salo or Ryan Kesler for a goal.
Although he didn't have another major breakdown in the third, Niemi did allow a goal, making that eight straight games with a third period goal allowed. In those games, San Jose is 2-6.
Now, on the brink of elimination, the question is, does San Jose go for Antero Nittymaki? They probably won't, but Nittymaki did do well at the start of the year, and he has been reliable at the end of the year.
The Sharks need Niemi to step up immediately, because the Sharks are on the brink of elimination. He's saved less than 86 percent of the Canucks shots, which won't be enough for San Jose. Both teams have dominated at home, except Niemi failed to keep San Jose on top.
It may not be completely fair to blame Niemi, because of all the penalties and 5-on-3's, but all three were shots from a distance that Niemi should have saved. He missed two of the shots, and one of them hit his shoulder, but he couldn't save any.
Even though he hasn't played as long, the 2006 Olympic MVP might be thrust into action. If Niemi fails to stop a shot early, the Sharks might have to put in the backup. One more tough game, and Niemi's Sharks will be done for the year.
And if he's ready.
Niemi has gave up 17 goals in this series against Vancouver, including 14 in the last three games. He's been pulled twice, and Antero Nittymaki stepped up for him by saving all but one shot in his two appearances (29 of 30 shots).
In the Canucks 4-2 victory over San Jose, Niemi gave up four goals in Vancouver's 13 shots. Sure, the last Vancouver goal was nearly impossible to save, and he made a great save in the first, but he still needs to play better.
Every team still in the playoffs except for San Jose has recorded a shutout. That's funny, because Niemi has had 17 chances to do it, while the Bruins and Lightning only had 15. 9 of the 16 teams have recorded shutouts this postseason.
Niemi was strong for about a period and a half, until he let three goals in in a span of 1:55. On each goal, one of the Sedin twins was on the right side, perpendicular to the net, before passing to Sami Salo or Ryan Kesler for a goal.
Although he didn't have another major breakdown in the third, Niemi did allow a goal, making that eight straight games with a third period goal allowed. In those games, San Jose is 2-6.
Now, on the brink of elimination, the question is, does San Jose go for Antero Nittymaki? They probably won't, but Nittymaki did do well at the start of the year, and he has been reliable at the end of the year.
The Sharks need Niemi to step up immediately, because the Sharks are on the brink of elimination. He's saved less than 86 percent of the Canucks shots, which won't be enough for San Jose. Both teams have dominated at home, except Niemi failed to keep San Jose on top.
It may not be completely fair to blame Niemi, because of all the penalties and 5-on-3's, but all three were shots from a distance that Niemi should have saved. He missed two of the shots, and one of them hit his shoulder, but he couldn't save any.
Even though he hasn't played as long, the 2006 Olympic MVP might be thrust into action. If Niemi fails to stop a shot early, the Sharks might have to put in the backup. One more tough game, and Niemi's Sharks will be done for the year.
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