Niemi to get start vs. Oilers
Are you ready for some goalie controversy?
Blackhawks coach Joel Quenneville opened the door for it Wednesday by naming rookie Antti Niemi his starter for the game against the Edmonton Oilers instead of coming back with Cristobal Huet.
Quenneville protected Huet to a certain degree by explaining he wanted to get Niemi his first start at the United Center after his win in relief over Calgary on Monday.
However, Quenneville said he didn't decide to play Niemi to keep Huet away from the fans in the UC.
"It's an opportunity for Antti to get a start," Quenneville said. "He got the win last game and deserves to start here at home. That's why we said we would evaluate it after last game."
For now there is no goalie issue in Quenneville's mind.
"Huey's the guy and he's going to play most of the games here early on in the year," Quenneville said. "He seems to be comfortable with his game. I think he can play a little better. Other than that, he's trying to work on his game in practice. He'll fight through it."
Huet knows he needs to make more big saves at key times like early against Calgary when the Hawks were running around in their own end. Huet was pulled after giving up 3 goals in 5 shts in the opening seven minutes.
“Last game we didn’t start right, but I have to make an early save to give the team confidence,” Huet said. “That’s where I’m at now. I think the first two games I needed to make one save more every game.
“I need to stay positive and work hard and come the next game turn that thing around. I know I can do it. I’ve done it long enough to know that it’s not one or two games that are going to stop me from being there.”
Huet, who will start Thursday’s game at Nashville, admitted it would have been nice to face the Oilers and former teammate Nikolai Khabibulin.
“It’s not my call,” he said.
I also noticed the Red Wings were in last. While it surly wont last, its not to often you see the Hawks in First and the Wings in last when you open up the paper.
There's been a lot of teeth grinding going on over Huet's struggles--struggles to which few goalies are immune--and have the grinders looked at how many 'name' goalies are struggling right now? (Try Thomas, Luongo, Rinne and Osgood.)
Has anyone noticed the Hawks have started the season 4-1-1 and are top of their division and the conference? Not a bad place to be.
Without a doubt, there is much work still to be done...but this team has managed to begin this season on a more positive note than the last one (they were 2-2-2 after 6 games last year BTW). And that's without Hossa, Burish, and Eager.
John Madden has, it appears, been a major asset for the Blackhawks. His professionalism, competitiveness and experience are helping to balance the Hawks' youth. It can't be a coincidence that the Hawks' faceoff percentage and shots against totals have improved significantly--Madden's mentoring may well be a factor. And Chicago leads the league in shots for, per game.
All points for fans to ponder.
Saw that Marty hurt his groin last night. Should be interesting to see how long that keeps him out. Of all teams to take a long term chance on Marty, I didn't think it would be Minnesota. They just got lost the human groin pull Gaborik (who for now is off to a great start in NY).
As confusing as the salary cap is I can't even begin to pretend to know how to deal with it. However, I am pretty sure that this team can't afford to buy anyone out. I know that money goes against the cap. The best the Hawks could do is put the player on waivers and pay them in the minors (Sopel and maybe Huet).
I must have missed something. Trade Sharp? Trade Versteeg? Why? And for what? And I saw Bolland's name there, too. Gentlemen, and ladies if any, let's take a deep breath here. We are a little thin at forward and I can't wait till Hossa arrives.
If I understand correctly, the only reason the hawks are currently under the cap is because hossa is on Long Term Injured Reserve.
When he gets back, his $5.25M cap hit will put the hawks over the cap by almost his entire salary, meaning they are going to have to dump a big salary(ies) & take little if any salary $ in return. (and that is even before considering new deals for Kane, Keith & Toews (& Ladd & Hjalmarsson)!!
Sharp & Versteeg names get tossed around because their contracts are among the bigger ones, but I would hope the hawks seriously look at dumping barker & sopel, whose minutes & abilities are much more replacable at cheaper dollars.
In any case, the signing of Hossa is the single most disruptive thing that could have happened to this young team. they better win it this year, because they are going to have trouble keeping the core together going forward.
The salary cap probably will force some teams to play shorthanded sometimes after the trade deadline, as mentioned "On the Fly" last night. If we can parlay anyone we trade into an upgrade over Barker and Sopel, go for it. Stopping goals is more important than scoring them (at least this is true in playoffs), so we just have to live with missing Barker's shot on the PP. I know, some may feel Barker is going to get better. Maybe, but if the team is to win this year, Barker is a good one to move while other GM's feel he still has value (other posts have pointed this out). The ideal way, of course, is probably to move a Versteeg or Sharp & not Bolland. Despite his bad back, moving Bolland deprives us of a center -- and we need a center more even if you love Versteeg's upside and cherish the good start and goal possibilities from Sharp (agreed: Steve Rain?).
It is debatable whether Barker "turns the corner" this year in terms of his development, but he does provide SOME muscle MORE than you receive from MOST of the others on the blueline. That being said, Barker could play more on PP and less even strength ...if we acquire a defenseman for a Sharp and rotate our top five d-men. Still the difference in savings isn't enough to alleviate the cap problem. It has to be both aforward and Barker goes in a trade. So maybe you want to use your bargaining chips for a goaltender? Well, the only goaltender would be available and whom could be enough of a difference maker to acquire is Giguere. No way we can fit in his monster salary. So perhaps there could even be two transactions, and IF we acquire a goaltender, it makes more sense that it is someone like Hedberg. Again looking at salary cap, maybe we could push off a Skille for Hedberg? Does Skille not possess enough upside, that you sacrifice him for a tempoary fix in Hedberg? Maybe then... Huet is sent to the minors....somehow manipulating salary cap and possibly in conjunction with injuries also factoring in... we have Huet & a Hedberg as our veteran in goal in playoffs.
I suspect Bowman isn't afraid to make a move...but timing is very important and deals are hard to consummate. I wouldn't bet on any young Chicago goaltender playing really great...probably Niemi could play well at times.
I am guessing our best move (given salary cap circumstances for any and all players considered) is to move a Barker and either a Sharp or Versteeg for a defenseman and a draft pick. Might be not a great draft pick, too. Then hope Huet comes up big often enough, particularly in playoffs. Any other ideas fellow posters have? Ok, tell me you don't like the ideas I float out here..just trying to think as Bowman would about the situation at hand. One thing I am fairly certain of, is that if Huet wasn't mercilessly booed and looked to as a scapegoat, then he MIGHT perform better. Like posts say, however, he is paid to be a professional and has to learn how to cope. That last point is what it is.
Would like to see southpaw (in Utah) or anyone who views a lot of Kings game, give observation later in this season if this team can be a giant slayer in playoffs. Certainly Sharks and Flames will be powerhouse (I say Flames could move one of their four expensive blueliners in order to upgrade one forward position --- makes sense, Chicohawk?). Flames defense should be better as season progresses, Chicohawk or anyone who hears about that team). Bdm34 and Boldirev, among others I am surely not recalliong immediately, your input has been missed lately! HP53, I have come around to agreeing with your earliest observation, Brouwer belongs (just never a top six). But Fraser eventaully will loose his job --not this year, as he is the only experienced player certain to always be on checking line whom is not injured!
Even though where I live local stations broadcast Denver sports teams (the Avs are exceeding my expectations, but I still don't see them as anything more than a bubble team), I always purchase NHL Centre Ice and watch a lot of the Western teams play because they air in prime time here.
I watched the Kings give the Wings all they could handle tonight. The Kings have added a lot of sandpaper in all the right areas, so they could be dangerous down the road. I always take a mini-vacation to California when the Hawks are on their circus trip, so I'll see how they match up with the Hawks first hand. I'll see the Hawks take on the Ducks as well.
If the cap numbers on HockeyBuzz are accurate, then the hawks with Hossa & Niemi (& minus Skille, Burish, Eager, Greentree, Hendry & Crawford) would be around $650K over the cap - that includes 12 forwards, 6 Dmen & 2 goalies, a full 20 man lineup for games.
that virtually assures that a currently active player is going to have to be moved (barring any further injuries) and probably more than 1 assuming Bowman wants to leave himself some flexibility to get a veteran backup goalie for insurance (all this before even thinking about raises for Keith, Kane & Toews next year or where next year's cap is going to end up!!!)
Unfortunately, the hawks depth on D is thin - so Barker & Sopel might be safe by default and instead a very good forward like Sharp or Versteeg might have to be sacrificed for little immediate help back in return. That would put even more pressure on Hossa to produce given his outrageous contract - not a good recipe, imo.
On the other hand, given the minutes that the hawks top 4 D play (& the minutes left over for barker & sopel), compared to the minutes & production from sharp & versteeg, i think you have to seriously look at moving the 2 dmen to get back a couple of cheaper, but still capable 5/6 dmen. but that still leaves your D depth thin, especially if one of the top 4 got hurt - you'd have a 5/6 guy playing top 4 minutes.
Unless someone blew you away with an offer for sharp or versteeg, I think the best option is to move Barker & Sopel's $5.4M total cap hit for a couple of Dmen, keep the potent offense in tact & take your chances hoping the D stay healthy & goaltending is adequate.
Toronto has a surplus of D and are looking for offensive help, but most of their Dmen are overpriced & wouldn't alleviate the hawks cap problems. white & exelby might be the only guys that would fit, but i doubt burke has an interest in sopel & his cap hit. barker (or any forward) would be too much to give up for either or both white & exelby & toronto probably wants a forward back in any case.
andrew ference in boston is probably available, but his involvement with the nhlpa may create problems (rumored to be what has caused a rift in boston).
another option might be o'donnell in LA, but doubtful they want sopel again, either.
you might have to get a 3rd team involved, which would make things even more difficult.
I think Toronto is going to make a move for a goaltender, namely Giguerre, especially if they continue to flounder. Burke wants to ensure he doesn't end up giving Boston a lottery pick for kessel & I think he will move kaberle (ducks will likely lose niedermayer after this year) for giguerre & reunite him with his goalie coach in toronto.
i don't understand the hawks moving johnson that further depletes depth on D. (I also don't understand how they passed up on both mckee & biron as UFAs, who were reported to have interest in signing with the hawks, but the hawks failed to return that interest.
considering how the hawks offense is playing now without hossa, signing him to that ridiculous contract which has created a huge cap mess was the height of stupidity - I can't believe either bowman was ok with that move, and that is why Tallon is no longer GM.
btw, what is zubov doing these days?
ps as for calgary, after their injuries to their D in the playoffs last year (that really cost them vs. the hawks imo) I don't think they are going to move any of their big 4. If jokinen doesn't get his act together, I think as a UFA, he will become available & open up cap room.
I have three observations to make and am interested in hearing how you guys feel about these comments.
1. Andrew Ladd looked great on that first goal and should not be on the third line, he would work really well with JT and Sharpie. He is a great cornerman and highly under rated. He is totally unselfish and will play just as hard on the third line but moving up I am sure he would put up some pretty good numbers.
2. Jack Skille had a great first period and showed a little of what he could become if we are patient with his development, way too early to write him off as some have.
3. A. Niemi, the team seems to play a much better game behind him that with Huet, I really believe the team does not play to their potential knowing that they can not rely on him (Huet) to make the key saves. Look forward to your comments especially Steve and John. Also in the last post I apologized for my innapropiate comments to John and want all to know that I am sorry and will try to avoid that happening again even if I do not agree, I will try and be more diplomatic. Really enjoy this blog and would like to earn some respect from all of you about my opinions as I do yours.
Ladd is an excelent all around player. Very smart. Great decisions with the puck. An excelllent line mate. He gives you so much although I do not believe he can be a consistent goal scorer, ie he is not a good finisher. I suppose that could change as he is still young but so far he has not figured out how to put the puck in the net against NHL goalies.
As for Skille and Neimi - the sample size is way too small. They are both still prospects but it looks like they will get some experince this year. Skille has not shown the skill yet but may be keeping his game simple on that fourth line. Still I would like to see some flashes of offensive skill from him.
I am also a huge fan of Andrew Ladd. He can do just about anything. Plenty of skill, yet plays an unbelievable defensive game if needed. Just a great interchangeable piece that goes highly unnoticed thanks to a very deep and talented team. I think he's too valuable on that lne with Madden to be moved, but if Brouwer can't produce, maybe he goes down to the 4th line. He plays the body great, but he (Brouwer) still isn't burrying his chances.
I think Skille should be a given a fair shot. I think he can be a solid player if he's given a continous chance to play every day. Maybe in the previous years he took his chance for granted, but I don't think that's the case anymore. Plus if the Hawks are serious about trading a Sharp, Versteeg, or even Bolland, you need to find out if a guy like Skille can replace them. You saw flashed of what Versteeg could do back in 2007 vs Phoenix and I really hope the Hawks hold on to him. He's blessed with HUGE skill and will only get better.
Huge game by Khabibulin. He made huge saves and kept this game a lot closer then it ever should have been. Saves on Sharp, Toews, and Versteeg. Not to mention the close in saves in the first and second period. I thought Niemi played pretty good, but the Hawks d for the most part was a lot better.
Not sure about Huet still. I by no means a believer, but I do think he needs to step up very quickly or else he wll lose this team, and the coaches. It's no secret the biggest question this team will have is goaltending, and starting off slow isn't going to change that mindset. I hope he plays well tomorrow vs a putrid offense in Nashville. From there, he has to start coming up with the big save.
Lastly, if people are going to ride Campbell non stop, how about Cam Barker? Does this guy even know how to play defense or does he just tee up every time he gets it? He got caught again.....in the first period. He really needs to fix this.
Would love to see the Hawks build up a nice pts lead with Vancouver and Detroit suffering major injury issues, and the Hawks hellacious January schedule.
It's a good thing he is scoring a few goals . He has had three miscues in the last three games that have wound up in the back of the net. Good thing it wasn't Campbell if it was everyone would be torching him right now.
Regarding Huet I can't believe he is as bad as he is playing right now. I think he is pressing a bit. You're right he needs to step up his game soon before the team looses confidence in him.
Habby kept that game from being a rout last night. The Hawks outplayed the Oilers all night and still had to hang on at the end. That's what we are missing right now with Huet. Can he win a game on a night when the team is playing poorly. Let's hope Huet has a good game tonight and gets himself back on track.
All right, I'll say it. Maybe I'm getting soft in my old age. But I feel sorry for Huet. Yes, he's a grown man and a professional athlete and he makes a lot of money. But I can't imagine what it must be like to be him. The loneliest position in sports and he has the third-biggest city in the country hating him. That's gotta be tough. I think he's a decent guy who's in way over his head. Whatta ya say fellas. How about if we start being gentlemanly and everyting? (Apologies to Ralph Kramden.)
I like Huet as a person and wish him all the best however if you are being paid the big bucks to perform you better perform! His performance last year and so far this year has been brutal and to feel sorry for a player making a ridiculous amount of money and not doing his job is also crazy. I am sure he feels bad and knows he is in over his head but at the same time somebody (Tallon) thought he was going to be worth it. Bottom line is he is a millionaire and will get the last laugh whether he wins or loses. He will have a better life style than 99% of the population in the USA so I am sorry I do not agree that we should feel sorry for him.
rather than just sucking...but come on, he IS a grown man, he IS a professional athlete & he most certainly IS being very well compensated for what he does.
yea, he's human, but if he doesn't know how to deal with adversity, including fan reaction, at this point in his career, he shouldn't be here. period.
that is life as a pro athlete.
you sound like a life long cub fan? screw the losing.
Take some emotional viagra.
We as fans can and should demand a lot. Why?
The players and their agents demand a lot. They get paid more in a year than most people in their entire working career.
The owners demand more in terms of tickets, parking and concession prices. What are they charging for a beer, a dog, parking and a cheap seat?
So, why shouldn't we demand that players and management live up to their end of the bargain?
Take some emotional viagra.
We as fans can and should demand a lot. Why?
The players and their agents demand a lot. They get paid more in a year than most people in their entire working career.
The owners demand more in terms of tickets, parking and concession prices. What are they charging for a beer, a dog, parking and a cheap seat?
So, why shouldn't we demand that players and management live up to their end of the bargain?
Believe me, I hear both of you loud and clear. As I said, maybe I'm getting soft, but I feel bad for the guy. Sometimes I think as dedicated fans we can do more harm than good. For better or worse, we're stuck with Huet until the Hawks figure out a way to move him.
I was at the UC Monday night, and when that third goal went in I booed Huet along with everybody else. And I guess I feel a little guilty about it. If he was a psycho like Milton Bradley this would be much easier. But I feel bad for the guy. What can I say.
My son played goalie for 12 years, and watching him from Mites to Midgets I saw how lonely the position can be. Barker coughs up a puck a game that end up in the back of the net, but he has five other d-men to align with. There's only one goalie. And his partner on the bench is probably hoping he suks so he can get in the net. Tough spot for the man from France.
And by the way, I hate the Cubs.
more approachable & "ordinary" people than athletes in some other sports, so from that standpoint, I understand your relating to them more from a human perspective.
basketball, football & even baseball players seem to be more full of themselves, while a lot of hockey guys usually remember where they came from - a lot of Canadian born players at least are from small towns & they usually go back during the off-season, returning to their roots & giving back.
as for goalies, you are right in your observations. they are a different breed by necessity - you have to relish & thrive on being counted on as the last line of defense to be good, imo, but that alone won't make you good.
I'm not sure there is another position in sports where more is riding on you. football teams with average QBs have won with great defenses, great pitchers only pitch every 4th or 5th day, so they don't contribute as much to the success of their teams as a # 1 goalie in hockey does.
I suppose you could argue that a dominant center in basketball like bill russell, wilt chamerlain or kareem, or a guy like jordan or kobi or lebron might have comparable expectations/pressure, but they still have 4 other guys on the floor playing different but complementary positions to help them out. the only really comparable position i can think of is a soccer goalie.
ChicoHawk, good stuff. I think you hit it on the head. Hockey players are more humble, more approachable and generally more likeable than their NFL, MLB and NBA counterparts. For every Sean Avery, there are hundreds of guys in the NHL you would be proud to have as your own son. And I know Huet's not a kid -- he's 35 years old, for goodness sakes -- but one way or another I hope the guy either digs himself out of the hole he's in or he moves on. Not only for his sake, but for all of us Hawks fans. Now . . . let's go spank the Predators. And why the heck do they even have an NHL team in Nashville!!!!
don't kid yourselves, GM Bowman is already looking to unload the $6 million man Huet. Bowman is not stupid. He sees this Blackhawk team CANNOT win a Stanley Cup with this goaltender. Thanks again to the screwup Tallon for tossing huge contract money at bust players like this. Montreal didn't want Huet, Washington let him go, but Tallon "saw something" he liked. What an idiot!
Out to lunch again on the 1-1 goal....way to quiet your own home crowd Minus Machine.
Minus Machine for Cam Barker.....perfect.
then he goes and scores the eventual game winner with that boomer clapper of his.
I like Barker and want him to do well....but i can't stand players who don't learn from their mistakes and 25 looks like the prototype dummy in this regard, especially in his own zone. And Campbell's not much better. I cringe everytime one of these two is under pressure inside his own blue line.
Beautiful first goal tonight. Great plays made by 4 out of the 5 guys on the ice. Hjammer made a good play to keep it in. Good hustle by Ladd kept the play going. Towes made a really beautiful pass and Sharp buired it.......
Its just too bad the Oilers tied it up as I was typing
my a$$! We have every right to be upset by a start like that, they were sleeping out there for crying out loud! It took 5 goals of embarrassment for them to finally flip the switch. But once they did, we were able to witness the greatness yet to come. This is Chicago man, we live and die with are team! Go Hawks!
Im a big blackhawk and packer fan so this partnersip is already starting to tick me off.Its going to get even worse when im constantly going to see the hawks at soldier field.
This is a CHICAGO teams promotion. Not 'Hawks and any 'ol NFL team or the Bears and any 'ol NHL team.
If you're a diehard 'Hawks fan - which I assume you are - you'll support them. Just don't watch when they're at Soldier. It won't hurt too much.
I noticed the Bears' team arrogance; them stating they didn't need any add'l increase in brand recognition. Last time I checked, their brand recognition isn't exactly screaming NYY, so they should embrace this. Besides, the 'Hawks will win the cup before the Bears win the Superbowl.
Whether Q says it or not.. He is sheltering Huet from this game. You give him the chance to come back against a weaker team on the road. Nashville's scoring has been dreadful so far this season. In addition, the guys know they will have to play their ass's off infront of Huet, to give him more confidence.
Let Huet make a small stride to re-gain confidence on the road against a crappy team.
I thought Q would have gone with Huet again, but oh well. At least he's spared from the ignorant boo-birds. Let's hope Niemi plays solid! Maybe this could light a fire under Huet's a$$.
largely out of fans pockets, shelling out to buy tickets to watch, cheer & YES BOO, when appropriate.
Sure some fans can be ignorant by taking it to an extreme, like assaulting other fans who disagree with them, littering the ice, etc., but if someone wants to "boo" Huet, they have every right to - they paid good bucks to do that.
if he as a supposed professional, can't handle that - he should find another occupation.
to think otherwise is ignorant in my book. sorry.
Well-informed fans applaud sub-standard play?
He certainly deserves to be booed. I think he is pressing especially at home so I think Q recognizes this and decided to go with Niemi against the Oilers. I think he comes back with Huet against the Preds. Huet may be better off playing on the road for a few games. He looks like he has lost his confidence so maybe he can regain it on the road. We all know as soon as he lets the first one in at home the boo birds will be out in force again deserved but for a player who is pressing like he is it probably makes him play worse God help us.
I think ignorant needs to be replaced there. Ignorance is having an opinion while not being informed...and we all know way too much about Huet. I think this is the right call, give him a chance to win in Nashville and then show up Saturday night.
IDOT is informing everyone to stay off the Kennedy and steer clear of downtown until late tomorrow. I guess there is a pavement buckle at Adams that has everything shutdown. This should make it fun trying to get to the UC tonight.
Rumor has it that Barry Rosner is blaming Dale Tallon for the pavement collapse.
I also blame Dale Tallon
Q has made the right decision. Time to see what Niemi's made of.
If Niemi falters, Q has Huet in reserve...
...at the same time, he keeps Cristo away from those who want his head on a stick.
And the team knows it HAS to play solid defense in front of Antti. Anyway, Niemi doesn't seem like a guy who gets too fussed about anything.
Let's hope it works.
Eenie Niemi miney mo,
Catch the puck by the goal
If we holler
He will know
That Huet sucks
And has to go!
Eenie Niemi miney mo
but it's too early to shove Huet out the door without a plan-B.
Neimi can't be pushed into the #1 role and the 'Hawks can't possibly go with him and Crawford. Their cap issues will limit their moves and Huet can't be bought out until 06/15/10 IIRC.
While Huet disappearing due to bad play would be a costly venture for the Hawks at least one fan seems to be inspired. If only I was more poetic I could reply in rhyming verse........
Are limited we need Niemi to play well.
If Niemi plays well, he should get the nod in Nashville. He is a young man and it should be no probs.
If he plays poorly then the Hawks have real probs between the pipes.
We all know what the Pastry can provide.
back to back. so Huet is slated to go tomorrow in Nashville & still is the #1 in name at least.
If Niemi responds, he'll see more action - if he doesn't, Huet gets a short term reprieve, while Bowman starts looking for a veteran backup sooner rather than later.
It will be interesting to see how Niemi responds - he certainly won't have the pressure of expectations on him that Huet has and I think the players will support him more as the #2 guy to help him gain confidence & beating Khabi would certainly help accomplish that.
Should never hurt a "professional" - should help.
I know Niemi has outplayed Huet up to now, and Nashville doesn't have much of an offense which might help build some confidence in Huet tomorrow, but in my book this is a strange way to manage your supposed number one goalie to higher ground. It seems more like a way to steer Huet clear of the fans because you're worried that his game is off and he might toss a clunker out on home ice tonight. It also throws fuel on the goalie controversy fire which no sane coach wants to think about for any length of time.
Q and the coaching staff has built up some cred though so let's see what happens. But one way or another with all of these home games this month Huet will have to be sent back out there in front of the home crowd eventually. And this fan definitely wants him to turn it around fast because the alternative is going to cost the Hawks some wins and a whole lot of money.
This move makes perfect sense. It's a brilliant move, imo.
Huet hasn't shown he's capable of stealing a game or even matching the goalie at the other end - aside from the calgary start, the hawks have outplayed their opponents in his starts yet have little to show for it. The fact Huet wasn't put back in to start the 2nd period vs. Calgary was telling - basically Q pulled him because he wasn't performing to expectations & the team lost confidence in him, more than trying to "wake up" the team, otherwise he would have put Huet back in to start pd. 2
Huet's defenders are quick to suggest he's had little chance to stop the goals that have gone in on him, but fail to recognize that Khabi last year was able to make key stops in virtually every game to give the young team in front of him some confidence.
Huet hasn't been able to do the same so far & Q can't afford to let him try to figure it out in games since the hawks need W's this month given the home games/sked and can't afford to wait for their "#1" goalie to "find himself". (He had all training camp & pre-season after all to do so). Niemi gets rewarded for his win vs. Calgary, and Q gets to see how he does with the challenge of facing Khabi.
This move could also take the edge off Khabi who probably was looking forward to going up against a struggling Huet & show fans that management made a mistake in signing Huet & letting him walk. And the players don't get distracted by the Huet vs. Khabi matchup and comparing the two and wishing they still had Khabi over Huet & focus instead on supporting their possible goalie of the future and beating their goalie of the past
It also takes some pressure off Huet & gives him some time to get his act together for tomorrow night on the road without all the attention from home fans.
& if Niemi plays well, he gets more starts.
That is the way coaches should coach - based on performance on the ice, not based on contracts, which too often is the case. Credit to Q for giving minutes to guys who earn them - that is how this team performs & continues to get better.
If Niemi falters, then hello Garth Snow, this is Stan Bowman calling...
I hope things work out for Niemi and he has a strong start. The job is there for the taking if you disregard Coach Q's diplomacy. I would guess the Hawks are going to come out real strong this time, especially against Khabibulin.