Niemi gave up five goals on 24 shots in Friday's Game 5 overtime loss to the Stars.

EDGE Analysis

It was a rough night for Niemi, who was outplayed by opposing netminder Devan Dubnyk. Niemi looked solid in his 2016 postseason debut in Game 4, but he came unraveled against the Wild in Game 5. The Stars have tons of firepower up front, but face some uncertainty in the crease moving forward, as it's possible they could turn back to Kari Lehtonen for Game 6.

Niemi will be in the crease for Friday's Game 5 matchup with the Wild.

EDGE Analysis

Niemi led the Sharks to victory in Game 4 by stopping 28 of the 30 shots sent his way, helping the club take a commanding 3-1 lead in the series. Now that he's taken the lead role in goal, the 32-year-old may not relinquish it unless he posts a dud as well. The Stars will attempt to close out the Wild (who are still without multiple top-six forwards due to injury) to avoid traveling back to Minnesota and his home splits this season (2.37 GAA, .912 save percentage) seem to suggest he'll have a legitimate shot at doing so.

Niemi earned a road split for the Stars by stopping 28 of 30 shots to beat the Wild 3-2 in his 2016 playoff debut Wednesday.

EDGE Analysis

Niemi stayed ready until called upon, and stepped up with a road win after Kari Lehtonen got shelled for four goals in Game 3. With Lehtonen winning games 1 and 2 in Dallas and Niemi playing well in his first action in Minnesota, it's unclear who head coach Lindy Ruff will go with in net for Game 5 back in Texas. Whoever it is should be favored playing at home behind the explosive Stars offense.

Niemi will tend the twine for Wednesday's Game 4 matchup with Minnesota, Josh Cooper of Yahoo.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Niemi's confirmation in goal continues the season long trend in Dallas of rotating their netminders. It was a short leash for Kari Lehtonen who gets the hook despite allowing one lone score in the first two games of the series. While sharing time has been the norm, the 32-year-old Niemi will face the unenviable task of coming into the postseason having not played since the final regular season outing, which should give fantasy owners pause.

Niemi is likely to get the start against Minnesota Wednesday, report Mike Heika of the Dallas Morning News.

EDGE Analysis

Changing goaltenders after Kari Lehtonen allowed just one goal in the first two games is a surprising move. No injuries have been reported, so the feeling is that Coach Lindy Ruff didn't like what he saw from Lehtonen in Game 2. Niemi is a risky start. He last played April 9. He will jump into the series cold and on the road.

Niemi turned away 28 of 30 shots in Saturday's 3-2 win over Nashville.

EDGE Analysis

Niemi grabbed his second win in the last four, but most likely didn't show enough to unseat Kari Lehtonen from atop the depth chart. The 32-year-old netminder has struggled mightily at times this year, finishing out the regular season with a 2.67 GAA and .905 save percentage in 47 appearances -- all career-lows with extended time between the pipes.

Niemi will be the home starter Saturday night in the regular-season finale against the Predators, The Dallas Morning News reports.

EDGE Analysis

Niemi will get an opportunity to try and lead the Stars toward their first division championship since 2006. He's been quite stubborn toward opponents of late, crafting a sparkling save percentage of .946 in the last three games. Both teams involved in this matchup are bound for the playoffs, with Nashville carrying the 12th-ranked offense in the league.

Niemi stopped 22 of 24 shots in Sunday's loss to the Ducks.

EDGE Analysis

It wasn't a bad outing for Niemi, but he was ultimately done in by a pair of shorthanded goals. The 32-year-old has allowed two or fewer goals in each of his last three starts, but he still figures to be behind Kari Lehtonen on the depth chart for the final two regular season tilts and in the postseason.

Niemi is leading the Stars onto the ice for warmups before Sunday's game against the Ducks, reports Mike Heika of the Dallas Morning News.

EDGE Analysis

Niemi will make his second start of the week, after stopping 31 of 32 shots in Thursday's 4-1 win over the Coyotes.

Niemi is the likely starter Sunday against Anaheim, reports Mike Heika of the Dallas Morning News.

EDGE Analysis

Despite Niemi's struggles, this was expected after Kari Lehtonen started Saturday's game against the Kings. Through 46 games this season, Niemi has a career-worst .904 save percentage. Neither goaltender has been great, but Niemi isn't likely to be the guy they turn to when the playoffs come around.