The Penguins signed goaltender Antti Niemi in the offseason to back up Matt Murray. He lasted three games. That’s probably three more games than he should have had, given how poorly he’s played the past two seasons. Niemi is a 10-year veteran and has won a Stanley Cup, though, so it’s easy to understand why the Penguins took a chance.
The plan was for Niemi to play 30 to 40 games in relief of Murray so Murray would be fresh for the playoffs. That plan has been scrapped, and though it seems like a backup goaltender is a minor issue, it really isn’t.