Niemi let in three goals on 26 shots in a 4-1 loss to the Flames on Monday. The fourth was an empty-netter.Niemi and the Sharks underwhelmed in a key matchup with the Flames, with the loss allowing Calgary -- who has played one less game -- to jump into a tie with them for second place in the Pacific Division. Niemi has actually dropped three of his last four starts -- two of which were against inferior opponents in Carolina and Edmonton -- so owners have got to be frustrated with his inconsistency this season, especially during crunch time when teams are jockeying for playoff positioning.