Niemi is actually the worst goaltender in the league AINEC. When he gives up a 4 spot in approximately 20 minutes, and back-breakers within the first and last minutes of different periods no shit the team is going to pack it in. They're on the back end of back-to-backs and they don't even get a chance, I wouldn't hold up a magnifying glass to their effort level in these games. The solution is simple really, bury Niemi and get literally any other NHL calibre goalie.
This team has three regulation losses, and all three are the back-ends of back to backs where Niemi started. 7.5 GAA. He's trash, move on and the team won't look so discombobulated.
The only thing that annoys me is that Sullivan is downplaying how bad Niemi has been in order to remain respectful to the guy. I get it, but I prefer the no bs Sully.