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