Alex Stalock stopped 18 of 19 in Thursday's 2-1 win over Minnesota.

Stalock stopped 18 of 19 in Thursday's 2-1 win over Minnesota.

Analysis:

With Antti Niemi (undisclosed) hurting a bit, Stalock's ended up starting three games in a row for the Sharks, and he's delivered a .917 save mark or better in each of them. However, Niemi -- despite a tendency toward streakiness -- has played fairly well as the starter and doesn't appear set to give up the role, leaving Stalock as merely a high-upside backup.