Niemi will receive the start between the pipes Thursday against the Maple Leafs, David Pollak of the San Jose Mercury News reports. Niemi looks to be a safe starting choice against the visiting Leafs, who lost for the fifth time in six January contests a night earlier against the Ducks. Meanwhile, Niemi ended a cold spell of his own by defeating the Coyotes his last time out Tuesday, stopping 27 of 29 shots in the 3-2 victory. The goalie carries a 2.59 GAA and .912 save percentage over 32 appearances into Thursday's tilt.