There are 31 days until the NHL season begins, and today we look at the best number 31 in San Jose Sharks history. There are only 4 players that have worn the number 31, and all of them are goalies. Only two of the four have been starters, and only one of those two has been a consistent starter. That is why the best number 31 in San Jose Sharks history is Antti Niemi.
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Antti Niemi was undrafted, but he immediately made a statement in the NHL. In the 2009-2010 season, first full season with the Chicago Blackhawks, he became the starter halfway through the year and stayed throughout the entire postseason. In that postseason, he led the Chicago Blackhawks to the Stanley Cup and made a few Sharks fans very angry. The Blackhawks played the Sharks in the Western Conference Finals with Niemi stealing a few games; specifically game 1. Niemi robbed Ryane Clowe of the tying goal with under a minute to go in game 1 and the series was never the same.
However, after that season, Niemi needed a new contract. The Sharks put out an offer on Niklas Hjalmarsson. The Blackhawks matched the offer sheet, and then did not have enough to sign Antti Niemi, who proceeded to sign with the San Jose Sharks. Niemi has been a very good goaltender for the Sharks since being signed. His lowest save percentage in the 4 years he’s been in San Jose is .913%, and the most goals he’s allowed in a season is 2.42 per game on average. Those numbers aren’t “elite” goalie material, but they are still very good stats. Niemi also has shown the ability to steal games when called upon. This may be the last year that he plays for the Sharks due to the solid play of Alex Stalock. But even if it is, Antti Niemi has done more than enough to help the Sharks remain a strong playoff contender.
We’re about to break into the 30 day mark, people. Get excited.