BROSSARD, Que.— By definition, Antti Niemi’s candidacy for the Bill Masterton Trophy is as valid as it gets.
The award is given annually to the player who "best exemplifies the qualities of perseverance, sportsmanship and dedication to ice hockey." Though New Jersey Devils forward Brian Boyle (who overcame tremendous adversity in returning to play just weeks after being diagnosed with chronic myeloid leukemia) and Tampa Bay Lightning captain Steven Stamkos (who missed most of last season with a torn meniscus and returned to the NHL’s top-10 scoring list this season) are leading candidates to win it this year, what Niemi has done to resurrect his career since landing with the Montreal Canadiens is very much in the spirit of the Masterton.
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The 34-year-old goaltender had been bought out by the Dallas Stars in June and waived Pittsburgh Penguins after just three appearances this season. He was then claimed by the Florida Panthers on Oct. 24 and waived after just two games in their uniform.
The decision Montreal made to claim him on Nov. 14 was met widely with derision—both from media members and fans alike. Which is understandable when you consider that when Niemi arrived with the Canadiens, he had no wins to his name, was sporting a save percentage of .822 and a goals-against average of 6.74.
But he’s since made 17 appearances, going 6-4-4 and putting up a sterling .936 save percentage and an impressive 2.25 goals against average.
When he was told on Monday that the members of the Montreal chapter of the Professional Hockey Writer’s Association had elected him to be the Canadiens’ candidate for the Masterton, Niemi said, "I think it represents the attitude for life and for hockey and for not giving up in tough situations."
He could have quit after going through the series of events that precipitated his arrival in Montreal, but his perseverance has enabled him to continue well into his 10th NHL season. Now there’s even hope he can secure a new contract for next season—and possibly beyond.
Most people will suggest Niemi owes that to Canadiens goaltending coach Stephane Waite, but he said on Monday that he hasn’t made any major technical adjustments since landing in Montreal.
"Obviously it’s been great working with him again," Niemi said of Waite, who had been his goaltending coach with the Chicago Blackhawks from 2008-10. "But just doing the small things every day; I think that makes the biggest difference."
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Niemi’s attitude has to be at the root of his revival, as well. His work ethic is unimpeachable, and his dedication to the game is evident.
As a result, he’s not just playing better; this might be the best he’s ever played.
"I think it’s been a really good stretch," Niemi said. "I felt like earlier in the season I didn’t get any bounces. I’m getting some bounces now but I’m also playing way better, and I’ve been pretty consistent for a while now so that’s been great."
It’s something he deserves to be recognized for.
"From Day 1 I just found this guy to be competitive," said Canadiens coach Claude Julien on Monday. "I don’t know what happened before, but right from the get-go I don’t think I was disappointed in how he competed. If anything he has gotten better, so somewhere along the way there’s credit that has to go to him and to Steph. But, I think what I’ve liked about him from his first day here is his attitude and his approach to the game. He’s a real pro that works hard in practice. I’ve mentioned that many times, but it’s something that seems to be contagious, too. The guys really rally around him.
"You talk about perseverance, you talk about a guy who couldn’t have a worst start coming in, to play the way he has lately is pretty impressive."
