"(Niemi) earned the opportunity," Hawks coach Joel Quenneville said. "I think he's played well. At one point in the year the competition from behind was something we were looking for. You get stretches when you're playing well and you earn the chance to play. That's why he's playing and it's a good chance for him."

So does that mean Huet is no longer the clear No. 1 goaltender?

"Nothing's changed in that regard," Quenneville said. "It's just an opportunity for Antti to get the net. He deserved it and we'll see how it goes."