Niemi led the Stars onto the ice for warmups and is expected to start in goal against Minnesota.

EDGE Analysis

Kari Lehtonen got the nod Thursday after Niemi was blown up for six goals on 29 shots against the Rangers his last time out. Niemi had given up more than three goals just three times in his first 27 appearances of the season. He held the Wild to one goal on 31 shots back on Dec. 21.