After not playing for almost a month, it would be understandable if the Blackhawks ' backup goaltender Antti Niemi was a little rusty.
Despite getting off to a solid start in the wake of Cristobal Huet’s early-season struggles, Niemi has had to watch as the Hawks have buoyed their more expensive veteran’s confidence over the past few weeks.
Huet, to his credit has responded by playing magnificent hockey over the past couple weeks, making Niemi a lost man on the back of the bench.
But in the middle of a long road trip, in the second half of back-to-back nights with games against tough opponents, Niemi was the man on Sunday night.
The Canucks had a great addition to their offense with Daniel Sedin returning after a long absence due to injury, and were hoping to get a big home win against a key conference opponent.
Especially, the team that knocked them out of the playoffs a year ago.
On Oct. 21, the Canucks came into the United Center and not only beat the Hawks on the scoreboard, but left them wounded as well.
That was the night that Willie Mitchell knocked Jonathan Toews out of the lineup for a ...
Read Full Article at Bleacher Report - NHL
Article written by TAB BAMFORD
The Antti Of Scoring: Niemi, Blackhawks Shut Out Vancouver Canucks
November 23rd, 2009 by TAB BAMFORD Leave a reply »
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