Antti Niemi Returns to Chicago: Can the Blackhawks Solve Him Minus Toews?

The Chicago Blackhawks have had two reunions with goalie Antti Niemi this season. Now the United Center fans get a chance to give their Stanley Cup-winning net-minder a big welcome back, as the San Jose Sharks visit the Blackhawks Thursday night—with Marty Turco in the opposite goal, no less.

At the time of this writing, I don't have confirmation of Niemi starting between the pipes. I feel strongly that he will. After all:

1.  I think Sharks coach Todd McClellan recognizes the significance of the evening.

2.  Niemi is 2-0 against the Hawks.

Although Niemi has a 3.07 GAA and a .900 save percentage, he has played very well in the two games in San Jose against the Blackhawks. It's fitting he will be going up against Turco, as the two have much in common this season.

Both came into the season as the No. 1 guy on their respective teams only to lose that status. Both Niemi and Turco have had weaker defensive efforts in front of them this season.

Turco gave up three goals after facing 43 shots in a loss to the St. Louis Blues Tuesday, while Niemi's last start saw him give up four goals in the third period to the Los Angeles Kings Monday. 

Both guys have played better of late (Niemi did stop 30 shots in the first two periods) and should be eager to get their teams back on the winning path.

Turco is still seen by some as the carpetbagger who shoved the playoff hero out the door in Chicago. That's not the case, but it should make for some interesting drama at the United Center before the puck drops.

How will the fans greet Niemi?

The man deserves some accolades before the puck drops. From that point on, we need to figure out a way to get the puck past him. 

The Hawks will be without team captain Jonathan Toews, who will miss a couple of weeks with a shoulder injury. The Hawks went 3-3 when "Tazer" was out with a concussion last year and have played well in the absence of Patrick Kane and Marian Hossa.

It looks like Fernando Pisani will also miss tonight's game. 

So, it's back to the grind for the Hawks. We've heard this tune before, but it bears repeating. The key to the Hawks' success this season has been to simplify the game. They have played well in the face of injury lately and just have to continue that trend.

Hossa will have to pick up the slack for his missing captain in the corners. Ryan Johnson will have to try and make up some of the difference in the faceoff circle, along with Patrick Sharp, Dave Bolland and Jake Dowell.

Kane? Let's hope that he hasn't rushed back too soon from his ankle injury and will be effective, starting tonight.

No one wants to see one of the NHL's best players out of the lineup, but this is no time to whine about injuries. Detroit is without Pavel Datsyuk and Daniel Cleary for a couple of months.

The Hawks are battling for a playoff spot. There is little time to mourn the fallen, whether they are watching the game from the team box or crouching in the opposition's crease.

The Blackhawks need to thank Niemi for his contributions last season. Then send him out of town with a loss.