Niemi was the first goalie off the ice at morning skate and is thus in line to start Thursday against the Predators, Curtis Pashelka of the San Jose Mercury News reports. The Predators find themselves tied with the Ducks for first in the Western Conference, but a 3-6-1 mark over their last 10 games probably makes them less of a threat to Niemi & Co. than their record would indicate. Niemi has struggled to gain much momentum this season, but has at least been serviceable over the last couple weeks. He's recorded save percentages above .900 in seven straight outings, though his most recent contest against the Penguins -- a 39-save, 2-1 shootout victory -- was the only game he truly stole.