Niemi will play more over the next few weeks
Antti Niemi - G - Chicago Blackhawks
Dec. 14, 2009 - 9:25 AM ET
Blackhawks coach Joel Quenneville said Antti Niemi will get more playing time over the next few weeks due to Chicago's hectic schedule.
Chicago is due to play in nine games over 16 days starting on Wednesday. Niemi has done a spectacular job as the Blackhawks' backup goaltender with a 1.50 GAA and .940 save percentage in eight games. However, Cristobal Huet has managed to hold onto the starting gig with a 2.18 GAA and .910 save percentage in 24 starts. "Huet's playing a lot, and we're very comfortable with how they complement each other," Quenneville said. "[Niemi] works hard in practice to keep himself sharp and ready, whether he's off two weeks or a week. [Being the backup goaltender] is not an easy job description."
Source: Chicago Sun-Times
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