Sharks Goalie Talk: Why Has Antti Niemi Been Inconsistent Recently?

Jan 5, 2014; Chicago, IL, USA; San Jose Sharks goalie Alex Stalock (32) makes a save against the Chicago Blackhawks during the second period at the United Center. Mandatory Credit: Rob Grabowski-USA TODAY Sports

In the recent set of ups and downs, wins and losses for the San Jose Sharks, they’ve continued to struggle in trying to find some kind of consistency in their game. Obviously, all five guys in front of the goalies have to also play their part in a winning effort, but for starter Antti Niemi in particular is it maybe time for coach Todd McLellan to give back-up Alex Stalock some more ice time for now?

Niemi is considered to be among the elite, but even averaging a .918 save percentage in his last four games (excluding the one against the Colorado Avalanche where he was pulled and replaced by Stalock half-way through) the Finnish soon-to-be-Olympian for this year’s Sochi Winter Olympic games has looked a little shaky in net the last couple of games, not being aggressive enough and not stopping shots that he should have. Again, before y’all jump at me for trying to single him out, I will reiterate that I do agree it is a team effort. But, the last four full games Stalock’s been in net and despite the two wins and losses in the span of those four games, he’s seemingly been sharper than Nemo, being super aggressive but at the same time being square to the shooter.

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