Matthew Nieto scored his first NHL goal and two assists in San Jose's 9-2 victory on Tuesday. Nieto had a three-point night in just his third NHL game, which on any other night would have gotten a ton of coverage. Of course, last night is was overshadowed by his teammate and fellow rookie Tomas Hertl scoring four goals. Still, Nieto's goal was the game winner and he's certainly worth keeping an eye on going forward. He had 18 goals and 37 points in 39 games with Boston University last season.

The battle to replace Raffi Torres in the Sharks' top nine is on, and it's coming down to a couple rookies. Because of Torres' torn ACL, the door is open for either 20-year-old Matt Nieto or 21-year-old Freddie Hamilton to burst through. Coach Todd McLellan and aides will evaluate the two in final preseason play this weekend. "Both fit our team right now and have battled hard to be here at this point," McLellan said. "They're both going to get an opportunity to play on the weekend, and we'll see where it ends up." Nieto, a second-round draft pick in 2011, skated on the wing in Tuesday's game against Vancouver. That's notable in that it's the place that Torres likely would have started the season. The biggest knock against Nieto, other than his lack of pro experience, is his size. He's listed at 5-foot-11 and 190 pounds, but that seems a bit generous when you see Nieto in person. Still, McLellan said, "He has some assets that we believe can help our team," citing Nieto's speed and ability to control the puck.

Matthew Nieto has a good opportunity to stay up with the San Jose Sharks. He played well on a line with Joe Pavelski and Tommy Wingels in Tuesday's preseason win over Vancouver and has impressed the Sharks with his "speed and tenacity." Nieto's chances of making the team out of training camp improved now that Raffi Torres (knee) will be sidelined for three-to-five months.

Matthew Nieto is impressing the San Jose coaching staff at training camp. The second round pick of the Sharks in the 2011 Draft, Nieto has impressed with his speed. "When I think of Matty, I think of a quick, attacking-type player," coach Todd McLellan said. "On top of pucks, creating turnovers, challenging the opposition with his speed and tenacity." He is questionable to make the team out of training camp but expect to see him up with the big club when an injury or two strikes the Sharks forward depth.