Nieto expects to be ready vs. Penguins

San Jose Sharks forward Matt Nieto will use the off-days leading up to the Stanley Cup Final to get back into game shape, as he "absolutely" expects to be an option versus the Pittsburgh Penguins.

Nieto's been out of action since Game 6 against the Nashville Predators when he suffered an upper-body injury after colliding with the goal post, but says his recovery's on schedule for a return soon.

"It's progressed well," Nieto said, according to Kevin Kurz of CSN Bay Area. "I felt really good out there today and people were roughing it up, so it was good."

He added, "I've been shooting the puck fine, and passing and moving great, so to take that next step was a good feeling."

Before the injury, Nieto was on the Sharks' third line with Chris Tierney and Joel Ward. He's scored three points in 11 postseason games.