Nieto has been filling in for Rudolfs Balcers on the Sharks' second line but both are questionable to play on Saturday. Antti Suomela will make his season debut regardless of whether or not Nieto plays, so someone will have to come out if he's in.

Eller will miss his third straight game on Friday, which makes him questionable to play Saturday as well. With Eller out, the Capitals are expected to stick with 11 forwards and seven defensemen.

The Penguins said that Malkin is still being evaluated and will not play on Thursday. Head coach Mike Sullivan said that he hopes to have more information on Malkin in the next day or so, so it sounds like he could miss some time.

Bemstrom was hurt in Wednesday's practice and was placed on IR on Thursday, meaning he'll miss at least seven days. Mikhail Grigorenko will replace him in the Blue Jackets' bottom-6.

Malkin's injury comes on the heels of Teddy Blueger being sidelined "longer-term," so the Penguins centre depth will be put to the test if Malkin can't go Thursday. Luckily, Jared McCann, who is a natural centre but has played some wing this season, could be back in New Jersey.

Ouellet was recalled from Laval (AHL) and will make his season debut on Monday. Ouellet will replace Victor Mete, who was replacing Ben Chiarot (hand) for the last two games.

Eller returned from a personal matter on Saturday but was hurt early in the first period and did not return. The Capitals have listed him as day-to-day and unavailable for Monday's game, so look for Washington to dress 11 forwards and seven defensemen.