Niemi entered at the start of the second period in Sunday's Game 2 loss to the Blues, stopping 19 of 20 shots.

EDGE Analysis

Starter Kari Lehtonen struggled mightily, allowing three goals on just five shots in the opening frame, paving the way for a change in net. Niemi played admirably in his stead, but unfortunately the one goal he allowed came in overtime, as St. Louis evened up the series. Lehtonen has been mostly reliable in the playoffs though, so Niemi likely will return to the bench for the start of Game 3.