Niemi vs. Raycroft; defenseman choice still up in the air

The Sharks are expected to go with Antti Niemi in goal against the Stars.

It will be his sixth start in the last seven games.

Dallas will go with Andrew Raycroft.

In regards to how they will handle their defense with Mark Fistric returning from a groin injury: The Stars ran a rotation of defensemen Karlis Skrastins, Matt Niskanen and Mark Fistric in drills at practice this morning, which means that it appears Jeff Woywitka will be in and one of Niskanen or Fistric will be out.

But we have read too much into a practice before, so we'll have to wait and see on this.

Here's coach Marc Crawford on the decision he says will be made before the game.

``We're actually having a good discussion. We have a split house,'' Crawford said of the coaching staff. ``It's a small decision, but it's an important one tonight. We'll go back (to the hotel) and talk with Joe and probably decide during the warm-up.''