Blackhawks head coach Joel Quenneville said after practice Monday that goaltender Antti Niemi will start in net Tuesday when the team resumes their schedule in Long Island against the Islanders.
Niemi started the Blackhawks’ final four games before the Olympic break with Chicago winning all four decisions, which included three shootouts. On the season, Niemi is 17-4-1 with a .913 save percentage and is surrendering 2.16 goals per game.
Madden Update
Quenneville also said after practice that there was a “good chance” center John Madden would be ready to play Tuesday after sitting out the Blackhawks’ previous two contests with a lower body injury.
Madden was placed on injured reserve Feb. 14 after he left the Hawks’ Feb. 9 game against Dallas following what he described as knee-to-knee contact.
Tags: Antti Niemi, John Madden
March 1, 2010 at 1:37 pm
Good to hear, but Niemi, should have played more earlier in the season. If he had, I am sure the Hawks would have the Presidents Trophy almost sewn up by now!
March 1, 2010 at 2:40 pm
Good job coach Q.wish you would have made niemi the number 1 earlier so we would know for sure if we need to make a move for another goalie before the dead line.but better late, then never.go hawks go!!
March 1, 2010 at 2:49 pm
I think this is a terrible decision. The only reason Huet struggled earlier in the year is because they tried to change his goaltending style. If the Hawks want to make a run at the Stanley Cup this season, they need a goaltender with more experience than Niemi. Bowman should just let Huet goaltend the successful way that he always has, and this so called “problem” would be solved.
March 2, 2010 at 11:49 am
“Bowman should just let Huet goaltend the successful way that he always has”
Are you kidding – flopping on his belly before the shooter even makes a move??? I perfer a goaltender that stands up to his opponent! Niemi all the way…!
March 2, 2010 at 5:46 pm
i agree everyone knows he is down and out. Why would Was & Bos let him go if he wasn’t quality
March 1, 2010 at 4:05 pm
hey fbi, are you crazy? The onyl reason Huet struggled is because he is not any good. He has never won a playoff series, and it was a big mistake in the first place for the hawks to sign him. Best thing to happen is to find someone dumber than the hawks to take his contract. Niemi is clearly the better of the 2 Goalies and anyone who doesn’t see this does not know hockey
March 1, 2010 at 4:09 pm
Great news! Glad to hear that Niemi who really puts 100% effort into every game and practice will be starting again. Like Q mentioned a few weeks back, The way you play and practice will determine who will play the next game. Huet never really had a successful style of play, so the only thing I’m worried about is all that money he’s getting by opening the doors on line changes.
Go Hawks! Congratulations to all our Olympians!
March 1, 2010 at 5:00 pm
Honestly? Niemi and Huet are the weakest parts of the whole team. There is not one that is a significant improvement over the other. However Huet has the advantage of being a veteran goalie that has played for more than a third of the season. No matter who is in net, the pressure will be on the defense to keep the SOG easy to block.
I don’t think Niemi is all he’s cracked up to be. With such a small number of games played, his tested (in game) and actual (end of season/NHL Career) statistics will be off. If he’s had a few lucky games, they will greatly affect his stats. We will need to wait to see if Niemi can continue his good performance. Otherwise expect to see his save% drop and GAA to rise (like they did these past few games against DAL, ATL, & CBJ). I’m not saying he’s a bad goalie, but wait a little while before you call him the best goalie.
March 1, 2010 at 5:21 pm
Yea, thats what they said about Hasek when they gave him away after riding the bench for years behind Belfour. Ive been a Niemi fan all season and Huet’s problem isnt going to get better by leaving him be. Either fix it or find a new team. I wish this were fantasy hockey and could we just get Miller and Ovechkin to come here. We’d have about 10 cups coming our way…
March 1, 2010 at 5:23 pm
I dont think Niemi did any better than Huet in last 3 games…let up 3 goals, 4 and 4…Huet has a 2.29 gaa, cant ask for better. If they wont use Huet as #1, then they should trade for an experienced goalie…once teams figure out Niemi, all you Huet haters, will hate him the same
March 1, 2010 at 5:57 pm
^puckstopper,
A 2.29 gaa is great if you play for the Panthers and face 35 shots per contest. It’s not so hot if you play for the Blackhawks and face 24 limp wristers from the point, and only 10 minutes of shorthanded time. The Hawks could put Jack Skille in goal and he’d win the Jennings. Let’s not pretend Huet deserves any credit for our team gaa. His save percentage is 32nd in the league, barely .900. There are only a couple of starting goalies with a worse save %, and none of them are going to make the playoffs. We’re going to need a bigger boat.
March 1, 2010 at 6:04 pm
Niemi is amazing and puts a ton of effort into every game!
March 1, 2010 at 6:19 pm
“Huet has a 2.29 gaa, cant ask for better.”
Um. How about Niemi’s 2.19?
Better save %, better win %, same number of shutouts (Niemi’s in half the number of games)
17-4 with 4 shoutouts is not ‘lucky’. Huet can be great he just doesn’t show up some nights.
March 1, 2010 at 6:25 pm
Big mistake!!! You all think Niemmi is the answer but you will all be disappointed. No experience, no playoffs, no good! He will fall apart in the playoffs when the pressure is really on.
March 1, 2010 at 6:45 pm
The problem with Huet is that everyone and their mothers know how to beat him. High stick-side. With out the Blackhawks defense men stepping in the way of pucks Huets gaa would easily be around 5.00. GO NIEMI, GO HAWKS!
March 1, 2010 at 7:38 pm
niemi’s record speaks for its self. you say he’s inexperienced but how does he gain experience without playing? worst case scenerio he bombs a few games and still has good trade weight in july
March 1, 2010 at 8:48 pm
I like Huet and he seems like a great guy but he’s really not cutting it. I feel much more comfortable with Niemi. I hear complaints and concerns about a lack of experience with Niemi, but I remember all too well, an inexperienced Ken Dryden and an inexperienced Patrick Roy winning Stanley cups. Even Steve Penney for that matter. Anyway, my choice at this point is Niemi. Huet needs to prove something when he gets the chance again. I hope he will do just that, but in the meantime, I’m with Mr. Quenneville.
March 1, 2010 at 9:17 pm
I know people are saying Niemi is putting up recent numbers just as bad as Huets. Yes, Huets last couple games he gave up 3, 4, and 4 goals. But if you look at what type of goals they were you would notice the defense allowed guys to get in behind them and put rebounds back in without being contested. The difference with Huet’s goals are that he lets in so many bad goals at bad times. He gets beat so many times glove side by weak slapshots from the top of the circle. The angles that Huet allows pucks to squeeze through him are ridiculous. It’s all about the timing and the way the goals are given up. I’m not saying Niemi is an excellent goaltender, Niemi just doesn’t give up the bad goals at bad times. A lot of Niemi’s goals are off rebounds are passes because the defensemen lets guys get behind them. You want proof, watch a replay of the last 11 goals Niemi has given up, 75% of them he had no chance.
March 1, 2010 at 9:57 pm
I think that hawk coaches and management have done a good job assembling this team. I will go along with what ever they decide.
March 2, 2010 at 3:35 pm
I agree with you. Personally, I don’t like second-guessing. I trust everyone with the Blackhawks wants to win. They’ll make decisions game to game, while keeping their eye on our “One Goal”.
As a side note, I am SO EXCITED we get to watch our guys tonight. I enjoyed the Olympics, but really missed OUR TEAM. GO HAWKS!!!
March 1, 2010 at 10:16 pm
Just wanted to throw out there that hockey is a TEAM game. in my opinion go with who is hot and play him until he isn’t.
March 4, 2010 at 4:40 am
Yes it is a TEAM game comprised of players with different TALENT/SKILL levels. Niemi’s talent/skill level is Higher than Huet’s. Anyone who watchs the games can see that. NONE of the 3 goals scored against him were “bad” goals. One went off of Soupy’s keister, one was a perfect shot in the top corner, and one Seabrook assisted on right in front!!! I recorded the game and watched it Wed. night. When I saw Niemi was in goal, I was happy. Then I went to the CBH.com to get some info, and saw that the Hawks lost! I thought, this can’t be right?!? Then when I watched the game, I saw why. Niemi was needlessly pulled. Even the announcers for the NYI thought it was a mistake. Then what happens. Puet lets in a softie my mother could have stopped, and ……..GAME OVER!!! I HAVE SEEN THIS HAPPEN SO MANY TIMES!!!
March 1, 2010 at 10:33 pm
huet has gotten better as the season started.
but he still sucks.
he’s down to early, stays down to long; abd give up cheap goals that my dog could stop!
huet is not an every day goalie…..
go with the hot hand
niemi deserves 2/3 of the starts
March 1, 2010 at 10:36 pm
The Hawks did not play well in front of Hasek, because he did not play much. Keenan wanted to trade Belfour , and keep Hasek. He saw what came to be. Niemi is not a young rookie, he has alot of games under his belt, and needs to play,now . Go with him , have the guys get a feel for his game , he can do it .
March 4, 2010 at 4:45 am
@LONG TIME FAN, I AGREE! If Coach Q would have left Antii in, I’ll bet the Hawks would have rebounded. They out-played NYI. The 4th SOFT GOAL killed them like I have seen so many times, this and last year. You don’t have to be Nostradamus to predict FAILURE with Huet in nets!!!
March 1, 2010 at 11:58 pm
Huet is not the weakness of Chicago, its defense is! Niemi will begin to have same statistics as Huet then he has played 4 straight games, and trade Huet will be a very important mystake, you’ll see Huet elsewhere.
It’s unfair for Q to treat Huet as he’is doing, 5 games without a play. He will never has done the same with Niemi. He had to let Huet play, or trade him shortly.
March 2, 2010 at 3:58 pm
Our defense is quite strong actually. One of the best in the league buddy.
March 4, 2010 at 4:47 am
@sampang. Which team have you been watching the last 2 years?!? Huet is a SIEVE!!! He couldn’t do the job last year and can’t do it this year!!!
March 2, 2010 at 12:53 am
In reading all the responses here, it still comes down to the fact that we still need stronger goaltending. I was a huge fan of Huet, but he just doesn’t show up every night the way Niemi does. Niemi has a better GAA and save %, but neither of them would have the wins they do without the defense coming up big almost every night. Nick, I agree with you. Look at Niemi’s last 11 goals against and most of them he just didn’t have a chance. fbi, get over yourself! The problem with Huet is he’s just not that good! They’re trying to coach a new style because the old didn’t work.
March 2, 2010 at 1:21 am
or it’s just because there is 2 games in 2 days and huet will start the second game……..
March 2, 2010 at 9:52 am
The Hawks have a below average goaltender situation. Neither one is capable of helping the team to the cup by themselves. Niemi needs time to learn before we can count on him to be the #1 guy!! Huet was the BIGGEST mistake that the Hawks made during the Rocky era!! We need to be looking for a proven goalie to work with Niemi not sure there is a good option out there. Vokoun not very probable anymore, Roloson probably not an option with the injury to DiPietro, and Halak who was really good in the Olympics is also a question mark as to his performance as the #1 guy. Lets hope they make some decision that will at least help us with the burden of Cristobal ” I have no confidence” Huet!!!
March 4, 2010 at 4:55 am
@Ken, Niemi should have “finnished” the game. None of the goals scored on him were his fault. But just b/c Coach Q jumped the gun, and pulled him, the Hawks lost, and those who know ZERO about hockey will bash Niemi! The 4th soft goal killed the Hawks, not Niemi. It was only 3-2 half way thru the game. Even the NYI commentators said that it wasn’t Niemi’s fault, and should have remained in the game. Some of you need to get a big screen and a PVR with slo-mo replay to dissect the goals scored.
March 2, 2010 at 9:59 am
Huet is very strong mentally, he’ll be back in the game against all odds. He had pressure before, he always play very well with pressure, he also have experience in playoffs, you’ll see. Go Hawks!
March 2, 2010 at 10:38 am
Huet’s early season struggles took a toll on his overall statistics, but without looking at his past three games, there was a period of time when his GAA hovered around the lowest in the league and was on a personal best win streak while starting every game. If a couple consecutive rough outings are enough to condemn a goalie for the rest of the season, Niemi deserves to be on the same chopping block based on his performances prior to the Olympic break (Surrendering 11 goals in three games). It was not Niemi’s play that got the wins in Columbus and Atlanta (Allowing 4 goals to Columbus is inexcusable), it was the offense bailing him out. I do not deny the potential Niemi has to be a future franchise goalie, but a starter he is not.
March 4, 2010 at 4:56 am
Yeah right?!? LOL The only difference between the 2 goalies, is Niemi WINS, and Huet LOSES!!!
March 2, 2010 at 11:28 am
I agree with the Huet-backers on here. If you haven’t watched many games this year, you would know that a handful of goals that went in against Huet were due to stupidity of the defense, such as the way Keith played the last few games and basically handed passes (to the Blues and they scored). Niemi is not ready to be a number 1 goalie and come playoffs, if Quenneville relies on him, then we will end up missing out on the Stanley Cup. Huet did fine in the short time in the playoffs last year and he will be ready for it this time.
March 2, 2010 at 11:44 am
Glad to see Neimi get the start, he needs the work. Has anyone else thought the Hawks are hiding an injury here. Think about it. Huet is a very good goalie, I can’t beleive you guy won’t support him. I guess it true , it’s easier to tear someone down than to build them up. GO HAWKS!
March 2, 2010 at 12:15 pm
we have to go with neimi,he gives us the best chance to win.the guy’s just seem to play better with him in net. there’s something brooing i can smell it,just wait something’s coming that will shock ya.
March 2, 2010 at 12:39 pm
I agree with Sakiman that they might be hiding an injury to Huet. While the stats are comparable for both goalies (with Niemi’s being slightly better), most people overlook that Niemi starts against significantly worse competition. Huet gives the Hawks the best chance this year.
March 2, 2010 at 1:01 pm
The thing is that Niemi is the better goalie for Huet because he’s is a more agressive goalie and is quick unlike huet who at times falls out of position and falls into his butterfly stance way to quick which leaves top-shelf very vulnerable and we’ve seen that all season. the only downside to Niemi is that with his rookie mentality he gives up easy goals towards the end of the 3rd period which has prevented him from much more shutouts. i think that the blackhawks should look at shipping off Huet with a player or so for a more veteran player to give us experience when playoffs roll around
March 2, 2010 at 1:04 pm
i willl give it to Huet though that he has given up goals due to turnovers on our defense, which shouldn’t have happened. a great thought though is that Niemi has played well under pressure in the shootouts the last couple games which gives us hawks fans a brightside
March 2, 2010 at 1:40 pm
The Red Wings won cups with Chris Osgood…keep the puck away from the front of your net and stop with the stupid turnovers in the defensive zone and it doesn’t matter who the Hawks have in there they will be fine.
March 2, 2010 at 3:21 pm
All the Hawks came up big in the O-games. Congrats. The USA could have used the big guy out there though(Buff) Can’t wait to watch us put the boot to Detroit. Go kick some !#$ Niemi. Its yours for the taking. Coach Q… you da man. Toews, I (mostly) forgive you for scoring on US – but bring The Cup to Chicago and ALL is forgiven.
March 2, 2010 at 3:54 pm
Let’s put it this way. Who do you feel more confident in a shootout?
NIEMI hands down.
March 2, 2010 at 4:09 pm
—-Huet is not the weakness of Chicago, its defense is!–
sampang you are just not smart at all…
61 games played, 146 ga. thats second in the entire NHL. Behind only NJ. When you have the #2 Defense in all of hockey, saying its a weakness is ridiculous. When the goalie has the #32 rated stats at the position, he is not being harshly treated when he gets sat on the bench.
hes the 25th best “starting” goalie out of 25 based on save percentage of goalies with at least 30 starts. back up your stupid comments next time, otherwise please dont talk.
March 4, 2010 at 5:14 pm
@eduda, you are 100% correct sir!!!
March 2, 2010 at 11:46 pm
yea yea Niemi Niemi Niemi. so many people talking about how great he is and he played soo awesome tonight didnt he.
March 3, 2010 at 1:16 pm
Insert “Post game vindicative speech” here.
March 4, 2010 at 5:03 am
@DREW, which goals that Niemi let in were soft goals. Huet LOST the game on that 4th soft goal while on his KNESS….AGAIN. The only difference between the 2 goalies, is Niemi WINS, and Huet LOSES!!!