Penguins' Alex Nedeljkovic scheduled to start vs. Devils

The Pittsburgh Penguins plan to start Alex Nedeljkovic in net Tuesday night at home vs. the New Jersey Devils, per coach Mike Sullivan.

Nedeljkovic, who will make his fourth straight start, is coming off a 25-save shutout, his first of the season, in helping the Penguins blank the Nashville Predators on Saturday.

This season, Nedeljkovic is 11-9-4 through 25 games with a 3.02 goals-against average and .899 save percentage.

Of late, the 29-year-old has found some rhythm. Over his last six starts, he owns a 4-2-0 record and .942 save percentage.

“He’s making timely saves for us,” Sullivan said. “He’s had a strong impact on the wins we’ve been able to get here most recently.”

Forward Evgeni Malkin partook in Tuesday’s optional morning skate in Cranberry and, per Sullivan, there is no change to his status. Malkin remains on injured reserve and is out week-to-week with an unspecified ailment.

Rakell to the 4 Nations

Penguins forward Rickard Rakell has been confirmed as a replacement for Sweden’s roster at the upcoming 4 Nations Face-Off.

The Swedish outlet Aftonbladet initially reported the news Monday.

Rakell, 31, replaces injured Vegas Golden Knights forward William Karlsson.

Through 53 games, Rakell has scored 45 points (23 goals, 22 assists), leading the Penguins in goals while ranking in second in points behind linemate Sidney Crosby.

“We’re thrilled for him,” Sullivan said. “We’re certainly proud of him. He’s a really good player, a great person and we think he’s deserving.”

Among Swedes in the NHL this season, Rakell ranks fourth in points.

He joins teammate Erik Karlsson on Team Sweden, with Karlsson having been tapped as an alternate captain for the squad.

The 4 Nations Face-Off, featuring Sweden, Canada, the U.S. and Finland, will be played from Feb. 12-20 in Boston and Montreal.

Crosby is captaining the Canadians while Sullivan is serving as coach of the U.S. team.

Notes:

• Tuesday’s morning skate participants were as follows:

Forwards: Jesse Puljujarvi, Cody Glass, Boko Imama, Matt Nieto, Kevin Hayes

Defensemen: Ryan Shea, P.O Joseph, Vincent Desharnais, Matt Grzelcyk

Goalies: Alex Nedeljkovic, Joel Blomqvist

• Per New Jersey’s team website, Devils coach Sheldon Keefe announced goaltender Nico Daws is scheduled to start. This will be Daws’ first start of 2024-25. He has been limited to one game this season. During a 4-3 road loss to the Buffalo Sabres on Sunday, Daws had 19:00 of ice time and stopped all seven shots he faced.

In his third NHL season, Daws has faced the Penguins once in his career. During a 6-1 road win Feb. 24, 2022, Daws made 37 saves on 38 shots.

• Devils forward Erik Haula has been labeled as a “game-time decision.” Currently designated to injured reserve, Haula has missed the past 12 games because of an ankle injury.