Niemi had a great season and was easily the Sharks best player this season. He was a workhorse this season starting 43 of the 48 games. He posted a 24-12-6 record with a 2.16 GAA and .924 SV%. He was a perfect 3-0-0 with a 1.63 GAA and .943 SV% against the Canucks this season.

SAN JOSE (5) v.s. VANCOUVER (4) Must-Starts Vancouver: Daniel Sedin, Henrik Sedin, Ryan Kesler, Alex Edler San Jose: Patrick Marleau, Logan Couture, Joe Thornton, Brent Burns, Antti Niemi Sleepers Vancouver: Derek Roy, Alex Burrows, Kevin Bieksa, Roberto Luongo or Cory Schneider San Jose: Martin Havlat, Joe Pavelski, Dan Boyle read more

Niemi has won three out of his last four starts. He has a tough matchup vs. the Kings.

Niemi gave up four goals on 22 shots in a loss to the Blue Jackets on Sunday. He will be back in goal tonight when the Sharks take on the desperate Stars. San Jose can clinch a spot in the playoffs with a win so Niemi should make for a good start.

Niemi is hot, winning his last 3 starts and giving up only 3 goals in that span.

Vezina candidate Niemi is 10-2-1 in his last 13 starts.

Niemi is coming off a shutout last night.

With the Sharks in a back-to-back situation against division rivals, expect the workhorse Niemi to start both. However, McLellan has been known to mix it up so stay tuned for any late changes.

With all remaining games being important for the Sharks, they look at Niemi to build off of his April 11 victory over the Red Wings.

Niemi allowed four goals in each of his last two starts, both resulting in losses. He will face a hungry Red Wings team who sit eighth in the Western Conference and are looking to extend their streak to 22 straight seasons with a playoff appearance. Niemi has been great vs. Detroit this season (1-0-1, 0.48 GAA and .984 SV%)