Niemi proves to be nemesis in Sharks’ win

The Blackhawks had three long days to sit on their worst performance of the season.

Not even a two-day side trip to Las Vegas was enough to get last Saturday’s 9-2 debacle at Edmonton completely off everyone’s minds.

“We enjoyed some time together, but there was no forgetting what happened the last two games,” captain Jonathan Toews told reporters Wednesday before the Hawks faced the San Jose Sharks at HP Pavilion.

“Guys stayed positive in that game at Edmonton, and that’s what we want to do, stay behind each other.”

The Hawks turned in a much better effort against the Sharks, especially defensively, but they couldn’t solve goalie Antti Niemi in a 1-0 loss.

The Sharks got the game’s only goal late in the second period on a power play when Jason Demers’ slap shot bounced past Corey Crawford off Toews’ stick.

The Hawks played a weak third period in what would be their third straight loss.

Hawks coach Joel Quenneville wouldn’t go into great detail about what he said to his team in the days following the Edmonton disaster.

“It had to be addressed,” Quenneville said. “We had quarterly meetings (with players) yesterday. We keep all things in perspective.”

Unfortunately for the Hawks, Brent Seabrook wasn’t able to play against Wednesday for the fourth straight game.

Seabrook had practiced Tuesday, but obviously the leg he injured last week wasn’t ready to be tested in a game.

“It’s tough sitting out anytime, I hate it,” Seabrook said. “It’s tough to watch your team play. You feel like you could be out there helping out.”

After a slow start, the Hawks took over the play in a scoreless first period. Only several top-end saves by Niemi kept the Hawks off the scoreboard.

“We had a good period and we played smart,” Marian Hossa said.

Niemi, now 4-1 against his former team, made big stops on Hossa, Toews and Bryan Bickell on a breakaway.

The Hawks were 0-for-2 on the power play in the opening period. The power play has been much improved over the previous six games with 9 goals.

Crawford was looking for a big bounce back game after some struggles.

“Obviously, I have to make more saves on the PK and make some more big saves,” Crawford said.

Crawford was under siege early, but the Sharks finished the first period with only 5 shots on goal to the Hawks’ 10.

Niemi was sharp again in the second period, robbing Hossa for a second time near the 10-minute mark then Marcus Kruger on a power play. Dave Bolland also missed a partially open net on the same power play.

While Seabrook couldn’t play, Michael Frolik returned from his shoulder injury. That made Ben Smith a healthy scratch along with defenseman Sami Lepisto.

tsassone@dailyherald.com