Niittymaki Expecting an Addition

In a pleasant turn of events, the Lightning called up goalie Riku Helenius to back-up Mike Smith on Saturday night against the Thrashers, as Antero Niittymaki was at home with his wife, as he's expecting an addition to his family very soon. I would expect Niittymaki to be back with the team soon, as this is usually good for the arrival of the newborn and maybe an extra day. Congrats!

This does sound like Niittymaki won't be away for long, which is likely a relief for Stuart in the Draft, who picked up the Finnish keeper in the Waiver Draft a few weeks ago. Stuart currently sits 12th in the standings, but now may be too far out of the running for the money, as he sits 55 points out of 3rd place at the minute (unofficially). Stuart's goaltending this year has not been good, as he ranks tied for 15th in the pool with 38 points from the crease.

On the Sheet, Niittymaki was taken three times in Box 32, the back-up spot in the East. Unfortunately, his 15 points this season doesn't rank him very well in that box, as Dwayne Roloson leads all goalies in that box with 26 points.