Niemi (undisclosed) was on the ice for Wednesday's optional session, Kevin Kurz of CSN Bay Area reports. Niemi was scratched from Tuesday's start against the Oilers after taking a hard shot during the team's gameday skate, but his presence on the ice a day later provides hope that his injury isn't too significant. He was still able to serve as the backup for Alex Stalock in Tuesday's 5-2 win. The Sharks will likely assess his condition after Thursday's morning skate before determining if he's fit to start later in the evening against the Wild.