Here is the understatement of the week, courtesy of Chicago coach Joel Quenneville:
“It’s important that somebody establishes themselves and takes charge in the net.”
“Antti gets a chance to grab the net and get back-to-back games on the (upcoming) weekend. We have a lot of tough opponents and a condensed schedule and they’ll both see some time.”
Obviously with the packed schedule for the remainder of the season both goaltenders were going to have to see time. But right now the panic button is close to being pressed in Chicago, as a team that has Stanley Cup aspirations is facing a major issue in net.
Antti Niemi will get his chance to prove his ability to carry the torch in net in for the Blackhawks, and at this point you have to think that he’s the only legitimate option for Chicago. Huet has stumbled too many times in big games during his time with the team; how many opportunities can you give one guy?
We’ve talked about how a team with the firepower and defensive capability of Chicago can cover up most of the goaltending issues, but once the playoffs start every weakness a team has will be grossly exposed. Was the goaltending completely to blame for the loss against Detroit on Sunday? Not a chance -- but it sure didn’t make things any easier.