Frustration continues in the Dallas crease.
Stars netminder Antti Niemi was given the early hook Thursday after allowing two goals on five shots to the Buffalo Sabres. Niemi lasted just one period before Stars coach Lindy Ruff changed hands and called on Kari Lehtonen.
It marked the third straight start in which Niemi finished the game on the bench.
The Finnish netminder was yanked Jan. 14 after allowing three goals in just 4:01 against the Minnesota Wild. Three nights later, Niemi allowed six goals on 28 shots to the New York Rangers, with Lehtonen coming in for mop-up duty late in the third frame.
In all, Niemi has stopped just 25 of the past 36 shots that have come has way, resulting in an ugly .694 save percentage over that stretch.
Niemi has one year remaining on his contract, carrying a $4.5-million cap hit.
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