Penguins/NHL
Penguins GM Jim Rutherford has seen enough of Antti Niemi (0-3, 7.49 GAA, .797 SV%).
The Penguins today placed the 33 year old netminder on waivers.
In three starts Niemi has allowed 16 goals in 128:08.
While some may say Niemi has been a victim of circumstance, every game Niemi’s started has been in the second night of a back-to-back, lit up for 4 goals in just 9:16 against the Blackhawks on 10/5, allowing 5 goals on 34 shots against the Lightning on 10/12 and then the dagger was Saturday night in a 7-1 loss to the Lightning.
However, a primary reason the Penguins patience had been running thin with Niemi is how he looks in games — is how he looks in practices. —
The team has determined Niemi is just no longer an NHL caliber goaltender.
Now what is the end game here?
Niemi won’t be claimed on waivers and sources say the there’s been discussions between the Penguins and the Niemi camp on the two sides potentially agreeing to ‘mutually’ To read this insider news, subscribe to get “Inside Access”!
