Pittsburgh Penguins goaltender Alex Nedeljkovic is scheduled to start Saturday’s home game against the Calgary Flames at PPG Paints Arena.
Coach Mike Sullivan announced Nedeljkovic’s status approximately two hours before the opening faceoffs.
In 11 games this season, Nedeljkovic has a 3-4-3 record, a 3.42 goals against average and an .877 save percentage.
Nedeljkovic has faced the Flames once already this season. During a 4-3 road shootout loss on Oct. 22, he made 22 saves on 25 shots in regulation.
Throughout his career, Nedeljkovic has faced the Flames in three contests and posted a 1-1-1 record, a 2.28 goals against average and a .921 save percentage.
Notes:
• Per Sullivan, rookie defenseman Owen Pickering is a game-time decision. He has been scratched the past two games due to an unspecified illness.
In four games this season, the left-handed Pickering has one assist while averaging 14:22 of ice time per contest.
• Neither the Penguins nor the Flames staged a morning skate on Saturday.
• The Flames are expected to start goaltender Dan Vladar. In 11 games this season, he has a 4-4-3 record, a 2.59 goals against average, a. 905 save percentage and one shutout.
Throughout his career, Vladar has played the Penguins in three contests and posted a 1-1-1 record, a 1.64 goals against average and a .948 save percentage.
• Speaking with media at the team hotel today, Flames coach Ryan Huska indicated forward Justin Kirkland will be scratched due to an injury.
• Flames defenseman Joel Hanley has played in 199 career games.
• The opening faceoff is scheduled for 7:15 p.m.
