Blackhawks head coach Joel Quenneville said Tuesday after practice that goaltender Antti Niemi will be in net when the Hawks face the L.A. Kings tomorrow night.
“Antti started before the Olympic [break] and he got a little bit of the last game [against Detroit],” Quenneville said. “This gives him a chance to get back in the net. We’ll see how he responds.”
Niemi started the Hawks’ first game immediately following the Olympic break, a 5-3 loss to the New York Islanders, and relieved starter Cristobal Huet Sunday during the Blackhawks’ 5-4 defeat against the Red Wings. On the season, he is 17-5-1 with a 2.25 goals-against average.
“It’s important that somebody establishes himself and takes charge. I think both guys can play. We’re not blaming [Huet] for last game; I just think Antti gets a chance to grab the net,” said Quenneville. “We’ve got back-to-back games this weekend and a lot of tough opponents as well as a condensed schedule. They’ll both see some time here and we’re looking for both of them to take charge.”
Tags: Antti Niemi
March 9, 2010 at 2:14 pm
im glad that antti is starting because they don`t need huet to play any more.
March 10, 2010 at 10:01 am
its not that huet cant play, its the defence when he is out on the ice, last game against detroit we could not get the puck out of our zone second period which allowed the 4 goals on huet. when he is on his game, he can rly play. hes kind of like a rex grossman, but for hockey. he has his good days, and his bad days. unfortunatly, more bad days, then his good.
March 10, 2010 at 12:23 pm
Why is it that its always a chicago team that has that rex grossman like guy that we have to rely on. I really thought they should have traded for something, anything and gotten huet out, and just brought up crawford. yes, there is inexperience, but look at antti at the start of the year. He played great, and i know he can get to that play again against experienced apponents. Niemi needs to play more down this strech to get him ready for the playoffs, because i dont think Huet is going to be able to sustain a streak through more than one series. But we will have to see wont we.
March 10, 2010 at 2:52 pm
When your defense only gives up 25 shots a game…It is inexcusable to give up 3 goals let alone 5 in one period.I think the Hawks a great and I have been waiting too long to see them at the top.It is like Olczyk said.Huet does not track the puck.Niemi is far more technically sound.When Huet goes down he stays down.Niemi can drop down and snap right back up.Niemi is just lacking much needed experience.Especially when it comes to leaving the goal crease and playing pucks.Huet gives up alot of soft goals.There are also times when you see one sail right by him and then he reacts.The Hawks are going to live and die by how their goalies perform.I don’t care if they are the top scoring team in the west…They out shoot teams by a considerable margin.The goalies are taking advantage of what the defense is giving them!!
March 9, 2010 at 3:04 pm
Is it Dennis Savard nite Wednesday? I thought I heard this on the score.
March 9, 2010 at 4:36 pm
yep…Denis Savard Heritage Night is Wednesday.
Wish I was going.
http://blackhawks.nhl.com/club/news.htm?id=520137
Read the paragraph pertaining to Wed., March 10th 7:30pm on CSN
March 9, 2010 at 3:18 pm
I agree with Joel. I hope either Antti or Cristobal steps it up and takes charge.
My thoughts: I am so tired of negativity in all areas of our lives. I LOVE our Blackhawks and am very appreciative of all the entertainment they have provided my family and me. They seem like an awesome group of guys.
I know THEY want to win. I know I WANT them to win. There will be no second guessing from this fan. I will cheer for my team through thick and thin.
Go Hawks!!
March 9, 2010 at 6:38 pm
I’m with you, Janice. Well said!
Let’s cut out all this negative garbage and get behind ALL of our team, not just Kaner and the skaters.
Our G is the best in the league and they’ll be better with our support.
March 11, 2010 at 4:55 pm
@Tony, Huet is 41st in the league in save pct. FAR FROM THE BEST! I watch EVERY Hawk game, and Huet stinks it up far too often. This has been going on far too long (last season also). I am sure the Hawks tried to unload him, but I am glad they didn’t give up a Sharp, or Versteeg to do that. Sit him, and play Niemi. Niemi is obviously a better goalie. THIS IS THE BEST CHANCE FOR A CUP IN DECADES! I have waited 46 years to see them drink from the Cup!
March 10, 2010 at 8:56 am
I agree with you Janice! We want the Blackhawks to win, but who said they had to be perfect? Look the Hawks are a solid team, period. This is a long season.. we are going to have bad games. As far as goal tending goes, Huet is not as bad as everyone is making him out to be. Sure it seems like he is really “on” and making some great saves, but once one goes through (seriously people.. what goaltender doesn’t allow any goals all season?!) it looks like he gets flustered, or paniced that he allowed a goal… which obviously effects him negatively. I say, we keep cheering on our blackhawks as we always do..AND cheer both Huet and Niemi on!! Not critisize and over analyze them! THey are NHL goaltenders for a reason! Its our responsibility as fans, do remind them why they are NHL calibur players!
March 9, 2010 at 3:33 pm
Good Call!
The hawks play better with Niemi behind them.
March 9, 2010 at 4:26 pm
I just wish Coach Q would stop seesawing and start giving Niemi the chance he deserves to gain some confidence because I truly think that Niemi is a more talented goalie who just hasn’t gotten enough time to get hot again. He was on fire right before the olympics. Huet is a veteran, but I’ve lost faith in him and frankly he’s lost faith in himself it seems. I hope Niemi can take charge and prove himself over Huet. I still think Huet is a nice guy tho
March 10, 2010 at 6:25 am
Niemi has had his chances…he started 5 games straight before the break. But then he got spanked, and had to be relieved by Huet. He’s waiting for one of them to show a hot streak they can ride…he tends to leave a goalie in, except for back-to-back games, until he shows a poor game. Then the other goalie goes in. I have faith in Niemi somewhat, considering his low level of experience. I’d love to have more faith in Huet, but he’s hot and cold.
March 10, 2010 at 9:30 am
To Andrea:
Niemi was hot before the Olympics? I recalled 4 of his previous 5 starts before the Olympics produced 4 goal outings. He has been having a rough stretch just as Huet has. But ultimately when it comes down to the playoffs, the man with more experience should be trusted more. Huet will bounce back and be himself again. The defense also needs to quit making idiotic turnovers.
March 11, 2010 at 5:00 pm
@Tom, you forgot to mention that Niemi WON all 4 games, when Huet was LOSING 3 in a row! Huet has had almost 2 full seasons to prove he is good enough. He HAS NOT done that, so sit him on the bench!
March 11, 2010 at 4:57 pm
DITTO Andrea!!!
March 9, 2010 at 4:45 pm
Actually, Niemi’s record is 17-5-1 while Huet’s is 26-12-4. There is a BIG difference what you provided and Niemi’s actual record. You did get the GAA correct, though. I hope the Hawks are smart enough to give Niemi 80-90% of the starts the rest of the way. He is definitely the best option for the playoffs. It would be in the team’s best interest to acknowledge that and try to give him the requisite confidence to do well in the playoffs by making him the #1 guy.
March 11, 2010 at 5:09 pm
Thanx Nick! For stating the obvious, that a lot of fans CANNOT see! Considering the age of Huet, it is obvious that he hasn’t succeeded yet in his career. Niemi has youth in his favor, and has shown he can do the job. He needs the work/experience NOW, before the P/Os start! BTW, I like yer name!!! lol
March 9, 2010 at 4:47 pm
I have been a fan for 56 years now. I am a Canadian, living in Montreal. My first hockey sweater was a Blackhawk sweater. I have been a fan since. I have seen the worst and the best of the Blachawks. Do not complain about our goalies. Look at the goal against, 3rd best in the league. I watched the game on NBC last Sunday. Let’s not blame Huet for the lost. You win as a team and you lose as a team. Coach Quenneville and the rest of the coaching staff are doing a great job. In my opinion the ref made a mistake when he disallowed Chicago’s 3rd goal. That seemed to turn the tide and we know the outcome. Go team go. Thank you for a grat season and continued success. I am very proud to wear Blachawks colors win or lose. Lets get behind our team, they need us. R. Lefebvre Montreal (quebec) Canada
March 9, 2010 at 6:39 pm
Yes! Yes! YES!
Like Janice (above), you are so right Ron!
March 10, 2010 at 8:58 am
Rock on Ron!!!!!!!! Huet has proven his ability to be a top notch goaltender, lets encourage him!!!!! Go HUET!!!
March 10, 2010 at 3:06 pm
I agree with you on the disallowed 3rd goal.It did change the complexion.You take the goal away,the Hawks power play and then the Wings go on the Power play and get a goal of their own.I don’t think that one goal being wiped off is the culprit.The Steve Bartman curse does not exist in hockey.Huet gave up 4 goals on 8 shots.One of them he severely over committed on the Wings break.Their is plenty of blame to go around,but I bet half of the goalies in the league do not crash and burn the way Huet has.You surely do win and lose as a team.I am proud of the way the Hawks are doing.The word is out that the goaltending is our week link.Lets see what happens if the defense loosens up and it turns into a shooting gallery.In the case of the Hawks having 3rd best GAA.That is a team achievement.Our team speed is the best in the league.Even San Jose was on their heals against us.The goaltending needs to step up.
March 9, 2010 at 4:57 pm
Always support whoever is in the net and never boo them if they get pulled. Don’t you think they feel bad enough getting pulled and then some fans have to boo them. Very poor class if you boo them. If you are around me and i hear you boo them we will have a problem. Just support them all and don’t be a jerk.
March 9, 2010 at 6:40 pm
You & me & Ron & Janice, Joe!
Give it to ‘em!
March 10, 2010 at 11:47 am
Love it! Gotta say I love it when people agree with me.
Oh and we should add Kimbo to the list.
Have a good one, everyone. Hopefully, we’ll get a good game tonight!
March 9, 2010 at 6:15 pm
Niemi is a better goaltender… I really tried giving Huet the benefit of the doubt, and aside from a few moments, has played like the Huet in all of his stops before Chicago…
Plus, honestly, he’s really not very good in the playoffs… We will see what happens though…
Either way, go hawks!!!!!
March 9, 2010 at 6:15 pm
Poor coach Q. Constantly faced with trying to find a starter. As a lifetime hawks fan, I am a little discouraged with the results of the trade deadline. I feel so confident that this team has the best chance of winning the cup this season, IF our goaltending can stay the course. We need a STARTER goaltender. Most NHL teams have a stellar starter and decent backups, but I feel that both Niemi and Huet would be great backups, but are only decent starters. We need the fire to get lit inside one of them, so we can finally bring home Lord Stanley’s Cup!!! The rumors of picking up Tomas Vokoun would have pretty much eliminated this article. lol.
LET’S GO HAWKS!!!
March 9, 2010 at 6:15 pm
I think both are okay. But go with who is hot. I would like to see the Blackhawks win the big one, and yes I’m a Blackshawks fan, not a sharks fan – thank you.
From Livermore, Ca
March 9, 2010 at 6:46 pm
Don’t get me wrong, Huet seems like a really nice guy, but last I checked, being nice doesn’t help your team win. Nor does it help you stop soft goals or have good reflexes. Don’t let Huet’s record fool you, its only as high as it is in the win column because the blackhawks are one of the most talented teams in the entire league. I know Niemi is a rookie an d all, but he has been much more consistent this entire season. I can’t agree more with coach Q on having Niemi start. He needs his reps on a more consistent basis so he can be ready when its time for the playoffs.
LET’S GO HAWKS!!!
March 9, 2010 at 7:38 pm
NIEMI IS MUCH QUICKER THAN HUET. HE WILL LEAD US TO THE HOLY GRAIL !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
March 9, 2010 at 7:44 pm
With the exception of Ron and Joe, have any of you every played hockey before? there is so much more to it than saying we should start this particular goalie. they all have different strengths and weaknesses. THEY NEED TO PLAY THE GOALIE THAT CAN GET THE JOB DONE FOR THAT PARTICULAR GAME! Actually watch a game and pay attention, you could learn alot!!!
March 9, 2010 at 8:35 pm
Give Niemi a chance to get some rhythm with a string of games. The way I see it, if either one of these guys gets some confidence going or gets hungry enough, the Blackhawks get er done. Huet hasn’t put this question to rest yet despite an awesome defense in front of him though. I agree with coach Q on this one, but let it ride Joel. Niemi’s gonna be great by the playoffs. Trust the boys to back him up and let him build that feeling that he’s the man for a bit. If he REALLY flops, Huet will be ready to kill to get back on the ice. That’ll give him the focus he seems to be lacking right now and The Cup will be yours. (OURS) Go get ‘em boys. In the end, if you’re a Hawk, you’re part of my family. Whats mine is yours, and I’m in Hawaii right now!!
March 9, 2010 at 8:47 pm
I have to agree with Nick. Niemi is the best option for the playoffs and he must play most of the remaining games. It’s not fair that he’s allowed to play only when he wins. After the olympic break, he played a bad game after winning the last few games. The next one, Huet is in. We can’t expect Niemi to win them all. But give him a chance to play after he’s been shaky so he can prove that he can bounce back. The team seems a lot more confident when Niemi is in net. It’s unfortunate that the team has wasted alot of money with Huet’s contract. He’s a back-up goalie at best. I’m also dissapointed the no move was made at the trade dead-line to acquire a goaltender. Let’s hope for the best. Go Hawks!
March 9, 2010 at 8:58 pm
One of our goalies or the defense need to up their game. I’m not saying that our defense isn’t good but either:
A. Goalies need to block more shots
B. Defense needs to prevent harder shots for the goalie to block
it is the only way to have a decent playoff run.
The one thing that could be affecting the poor save percentage is the low number of SOG the Blackhawks allow, but currently that doesn’t seem like the case because when the SOG go up the Save% doesn’t really increase. I’m not making any predictions because Huet and Niemi have both played hot and cold. We’ll just have to wait till the play-offs.
March 9, 2010 at 9:35 pm
come on joe get real when you play bad you should here it from the fans. We pay big money for these tickets. thats whats great about hawks fans . When you do well you hear the cheers when you dont you get booed. Support the hawks yes i think all hawks fans are with me on this. if you dont like to hear it joe just stay home.
March 10, 2010 at 8:24 am
I’m not Joe, but I respectfully disagree. I don’t feel that if a player “plays bad they should hear it from the fans” I just don’t see what it accomplishes. Personally I think the Chicago media is tough enough. As long as players recognize when they aren’t getting the job done and make a real effort to do better, I have no gripes. (ahem…can you say Soriano?)
Does that mean I feel fans CAN’T boo? No. It’s your right. I just don’t think it makes the situation any better. I guess, I see booing as immediate gratification for a frustrated fan, but fear it can contribute and exacerbate the problem for the struggling athlete. Constructive criticism is one thing, blatant “piling on” is sad.
Just my opinion.
March 9, 2010 at 10:43 pm
How can anybody put up Huet’s numbers “26-12-4″ and then talk trash against the guy?!! I don’t get it. Are you just riding the wave of the “Lets dump on this guy” sentiments without even seeing what is in front of you. As far as I’m concerned he has been doing just fine. I just compared his stats against Luongo and they both have had eight games this season where they’ve let in 4 goals or more. Luongo has played 9 more games but still, he’s regarded as one of the best in the league while Huet gets nothing but crap from everyone. I say give the guy a break, he is not doing bad: his numbers speak for them selves. If you need more look at how many goals Luongo has let in the last five games vs Huet and see who comes up on top.
March 9, 2010 at 10:58 pm
i think he needs to pick one and name him the starter…hopeflly it’s niemi because i think he is more talented than huet, who is a competent goalie, though…i think niemi just needs more consecutive starts, and huet to fill in every third or fourth game…
March 9, 2010 at 11:23 pm
Niemi should be the No. 1 goalie for the Hawks. Reason – He is our goalie of the future and present, so give him the starts and be done with Huet. The only reason he gets the starts is because of the contract the Hawks signed him to and to save face. Put Huet in the minors and bring up Crawford if Niemi doesnt work-out – need to give the kids some playoff experience sometime!!! Go Hawks – Fans since 1958 that commerical with the kid in bed with the radio was just like me. But back then I remember the games came on in the middle of the 2nd period (Mr. Petit was incredible use to record games too – reel to reel – still have them. Go Hawks -
March 10, 2010 at 12:38 am
The Hawks are a very talented team,it’s been a long time since we’ve had a team that can 1. compete with any team and 2. can come back & is never really out of it. Having said that goaltending and defense will win the cup. I think that Coach Q has given Huet his due but he hasn’t responded like a #1 goalie. Huet is a known commodity however, Niemi is young and will get better. Give Niemi the majority of the remaining games so that he’ll be sharp & ready for the playoffs. It’s been a great season and the best is yet to come. Thanks Rocky
March 10, 2010 at 9:12 am
First i’d like to say I’ve been a hawks fan over 20 yrs now and I’ve played ice hockey for 16 yrs, now for the task at hand. Huet has a good record yes but look at the SOG he has faced in the games he has won. He may make a few great saves but he reminds me of Eddie the eagle the huge saves are few and far between. We need a goalie who doesn’t get unnerved by letting goals in. As far as our defense is concerned I am friends with a couple of them and i think they defensive core on the team is solid. Stick with Niemi coach Q and we’ll bring home the cup. I have met and spoken with all the current hawks players/coaches they are in good spirits. Reason we didn’t get a goalie from the trade deadline is salary cap lets free some money and then get a goalie. Lets get rid of some bad players ie big buff and free some money for a steller goalie for next season.
March 10, 2010 at 9:59 am
I don’t know which one of these two goalies is the best, but I play hockey and I know that it’s easy to critisize a goalie.
Don’t forget that the best goalie ever will always have bad results without the help of his defense players…
March 10, 2010 at 5:15 pm
It has been a great season so much fun too watch this year. I take my hat off to the hawks management to put together such a good team. Also putting the games on tv will only widen your fan base. This team can skate with the best teams are def. is solid just look at the shots on goal one of the lowest in the league. I no we should back our guys in goal and i am but we must stick with one down the stretch this is turning out like the the bears putting a new qb in every other game from what i can see Niemi is who i would go with. Tony O was workhorse faced tons of shouts on goal on teams that were not that good look at save % that is what i would judge my goalie on. You can have a goals against of 2.65 but if your only facing 20 shots a game that might be misleading give me a guy that can stop 37 out 40 any day. Will be ok but next year we should shop for that guy that can handle that big shots on goal on those night were not playing our best game. Go hawks lets get it done we believe that you can
March 10, 2010 at 5:22 pm
It has been a great season so much fun too watch this year. I take my hat off to the hawks management to put together such a good team. Also putting the games on tv will only widen your fan base. This team can skate with the best teams are def. is solid just look at the shots on goal one of the lowest in the league. I no we should back our guys in goal and i am but we must stick with one down the stretch this is turning out like the the bears putting a new qb in every other game from what i can see Niemi is who i would go with. Tony O was workhorse faced tons of shots on goal on teams that were not that good look at save % that is what i would judge my goalie on. You can have a goals against of 2.65 but if your only facing 20 shots a game that might be misleading give me a guy that can stop 37 out 40 any day. Will be ok but next year we should shop for that guy that can handle that big shots on goal on those night were not playing our best game. Go hawks lets get it done we believe that you can
March 10, 2010 at 5:34 pm
I think the horse we need to ride in to the playoffs and through the finals to victory is Niemi. Technically sound but mentally suspect (Huet is worse mentally). Body language will tell you a lot with both of them. Niemi is our goalie and only option for the post season. Call him the starter for the rest of the year. He will respond accordingly with the confidence of his coach, team and fan base. Even if he get’s beat, stick him back in the next day and make him game up day in and day out. Go Hawks!!!
March 10, 2010 at 6:36 pm
On n’avait promis à Huet qu’il serait le gardien numéro 1 cette année à Chicago. Pour moi un numéro 1 reste dans les buts tous les matchs. J’ai beaucoup de difficulté à comprendre pourquoi à la moindre défaillance on embarque le deuxième gardien. C’est pas ça un numéro 1! Il se doit malgré la ou les défaites d’être dans la cage et ce tous les matchs. S’il ne l’a pas une partie on peut le remplacer mais on se doit de le remettre dans les buts à la prochaine partie. En le remplaçant comme ça on lui indique qu’on n’a pas confiance en lui et c’est suffisant pour lui faire perdre tous ses moyens. C’est difficile pour Huet car il doit toujours chaque soir se demander s’il sera devant la cage ou pas.
Alors je peux présumer ce qu’il doit ressentir chaque fois qu’on le retire.
Il fallait seulement ne pas lui dire qu’il serait le numéro 1 .That’s it that’s all!
Pour ma part je continue à avoir confiance en lui. Ne lâche pas Cristo!
Merci de me donner la possibilité de donner mon opinion . Vive Chicago ! avec leur numéro 1 HUET!
March 11, 2010 at 7:36 am
Merci!! Enfin quelqu’un qui est d’accord avec moi. Allez Huet!!! Nous vous aimons!!!!!
March 10, 2010 at 7:04 pm
Go Hawks Go’ I have been a fan since 1969 and I have an Esposito Jersey on right now as I write this note. The hawks are so good that the goalies are waiting for that shot to come. Too many games with low shots doesn’t help our goalies. They are good goalies and need to be shaper, concentration is the key for them to focus on.I love my hawks and cherish the tele games and just love the radio games. We need to shoot more and leave the fancy stuff for the practices. Put big buff in front of that net and leave him there he will score more goals or create more. Through thick and thin we hawk fans have a lot to be proud of and Coach Q will bring home Lord stanley for us. Have faith people and it wll come.Hats off to all blackhawk people ,young and old we love you guys.
only Hawk fan in British columbia Lol
March 10, 2010 at 7:34 pm
nationally televised game against your longtime rival who “buys” the stanley cup year after year with one year contracts has to be won with sensible coaching. none of us wanted a goalie change worse than Huet mid way thru the second. when Ed O and I are seeing the same thing ” he just not tracking the puck!” then the honus falls on coach Q. Bad game. fresh blood. shake up the team, more experience for an inexperieced goalie, call it what you will, a change was needed earlier. oh, and by the way you might want to protect the puck better around Datsyuk. Somebody needed to tell the hawks he leads the league in steals. DEEP FRIED DEAD WINGS bring hawk fans to the rink WAR HAWKS !!!!!!!!!!
March 11, 2010 at 7:23 am
Alright look, we can moan and complain and analyze about how is a better goalie and bla bla bla. All I have to say is, Coach Q has taken this team from a semi-good team, to a championship team. Let’s trust his judgement. I am sick of hearing people complain about Huet and how he should have been traded! That is water under the bridge people… nothing can be done now. Fact. Huet and Niemi are our goalies. So as fans, lets cheer for our team!!!! Just a few seasons ago we didn’t even make the playoffs!!! now people are complaining becuase we have two average goalies!?!?! get real… We have a great team, and mad props to the Blackhawks and Huet and Niemi! While everyone else boos, I will be cheering!