Niemi will be in the crease for Friday's Game 5 matchup with the Wild.

EDGE Analysis

Niemi led the Sharks to victory in Game 4 by stopping 28 of the 30 shots sent his way, helping the club take a commanding 3-1 lead in the series. Now that he's taken the lead role in goal, the 32-year-old may not relinquish it unless he posts a dud as well. The Stars will attempt to close out the Wild (who are still without multiple top-six forwards due to injury) to avoid traveling back to Minnesota and his home splits this season (2.37 GAA, .912 save percentage) seem to suggest he'll have a legitimate shot at doing so.