Niemi made 26 saves, but fell by a 3-1 count to the Kings on Saturday night. Though he entered Saturday's contest a winner in seven of his last eight starts, Niemi hadn't been playing especially well, instead benefiting from a red-hot offense. With the Los Angeles defense neutralizing the San Jose attack for much of the game, Niemi wasn't able to hold serve, squandering an early 1-0 lead in the process. The Sharks will be back in action Tuesday against the Canucks, but with a game the following night in Anaheim, Niemi figures to receive a break for one of the contests.