Niemi was pulled from Thursday's start against the Predators after yielding two goals on eight shots.

EDGE Analysis

Niemi allowed two goals in each of his last two starts, but coach Lindy Ruff may have sensed a long night ahead and that's precisely what it was for the Stars, who have been a mess defensively and between the pipes for most of the season. Kari Lehtonen replaced Niemi in this latest contest, only to watch the puck travel past him five times on 28 shots. The Stars will bid adiue to their 2016-17 campaign with a home clash against the Avalanche on Saturday.