The list of shutout leaders among NHL goaltenders reads like a who’s who of the best goalies in the game.
There’s the Sabres’ Ryan Miller and the Coyotes’ Ilya Bryzgalov with four each and then a group of five with three, including the Bruins’ Tim Thomas, the Flames’ Miikka Kiprusoff, the Panthers’ Tomas Vokoun and the Avalanche’s Craig Anderson.
Right there with them is the lone backup of the group, the Blackhawks’ Antti Niemi, who recorded his third shutout of the season Sunday night when he blanked the Lightning 4-0.
The amazing part of Niemi’s feat is he has done it in just eight games played, seven of them started. The next fewest is Thomas, who has been in 18 games. Niemi “keeps himself ready whether he’s off for two weeks or off for a week,” Hawks coach Joel Quenneville said.
“It’s not an easy job description probably doing that for the first time. I commend him with how he keeps himself alert and sharp and ready to go.”
Niemi has spent the season as Cristobal Huet’s backup and has had to adjust to playing sporadically.
“The three last games have been in like five weeks,” said Niemi, who is 6-1-1 with a 1.50 goals-against average and .937 save percentage. “I have ups and downs in practice. I keep working with that.
“Of course when you get wins you get more confidence so it’s easier maybe now.”
Niemi’s success has earned him more playing time but has not allowed him to supplant Huet, who has been strong himself with a 14-7-2 record, 2.18 GAA and .909 save percentage.
“Huet’s playing a lot, so he’s the guy,” Quenneville said. “We have a really busy schedule and Antti’s going to get some games.”
