Antti Niemi will be between the pipes for Thursday's game against the Red Wings, David Pollak of the San Jose Mercury News reports.

Niemi will be between the pipes for Thursday's game against the Red Wings, David Pollak of the San Jose Mercury News reports.

Analysis:

The Sharks' two-game losing streak has dropped them 10 points off the pace for the final wild-card spot out West, so until the team is officially eliminated from playoff contention, expect Niemi to be used with a heavy hand. Though he remains the Sharks' unquestioned No. 1 starter, Niemi's up-and-down tendencies this season have rankled fantasy owners. After back-to-back solid turns against the Maple Leafs and Habs, Niemi regressed his last time out, surrendering four goals on 36 shots in a loss to the Senators on Monday.