NHL Sunday: Antii Niemi shuts out New York

It’s funny what lower expectations can do for a team. After years of successful regular seasons and playoff disappointments, the spotlight finally decided to stop focusing on San Jose this year. So the Sharks have quietly gone about their business as usual, racking up points while keeping pace atop the Western Conference standings.

But then again, the spectre of the President’s Trophy casts a large shadow. San Jose knows this all too well, and perhaps that’s not what they need this season. Time will tell if they have a choice.

There was no shortage of hard hits in the NHL on Sunday, but the most questionable one might have gone uncalled.

As Pulkkinen tried to enter the offensive zone, Keith stepped up and landed a hard hit on him while trying to impede his progress.

Huberdeau exited the game in the second period after suffering the injury and didn’t return to the ice for the third. The Panthers have not released any information about the extent of the injury, but they did leave a clue for reporters after the game.

It’s the latest setback in what has been a disappointing follow-up to Huberdeau’s Calder Trophy-winning rookie season. Huberdeau has just eight goals and 27 points in 65 games this season, which is fewer points than he had in a lockout-shortened 48-game season in 2013.

The game was initially postponed when Stars forward Rich Peverley collapsed on the bench. He was rushed to the hospital and treated for a cardiac event, while the league postponed the game due to the emotional duress suffered by players on both sides.

Here’s part of the release from the Stars: