Alex Nedeljkovic slated to make 11th straight start

With yet another critically important contest at hand, Pittsburgh Penguins coach Mike Sullivan will once again turn to Alex Nedeljkovic to start in net, as the Boston Bruins visit PPG Paints Arena on Saturday night.

Sullivan revealed Nedeljkovic would make his 11th consecutive start following the Penguins’ morning skate.

The 28-year-old Nedeljkovic has served as Pittsburgh’s starting goalie since late March, leading the Penguins to a 7-0-3 record over that span, during which time the club has re-entered the Eastern Conference playoff picture.

While several consequential games are being played across the NHL Saturday, namely the New York Rangers vs. Islanders, Philadelphia Flyers vs. New Jersey Devils, Tampa Bay Lightning vs. Washington Capitals and Detroit Red Wings vs. Toronto Maple Leafs, the Penguins (37-30-12) entered the day in control of the East’s second wild-card spot.

On the year, Nedeljkovic is 17-6-7 with a 2.89 goals against average and .904 save percentage.

Notes:

• Forward Lars Eller did not partake in morning skate but was listed as available for the Penguins by Sullivan. Eller, 34, has been a limited practice participant this week due to illness. However, he’s not yet missed a game this year. Serving primarily as the Penguins’ third-line center, Eller has scored 15 goals with 14 assists in 79 games.

• Forward Noel Acciari and defenseman Ryan Graves both skated individually Saturday ahead of morning skate. Acciari (undisclosed ailment) and Graves (concussion) are both on long-term injured reserve and unavailable for the remainder of the regular season.

However, if the Penguins make the playoffs, they could return to action. Graves has not played since March 28, while Acciari has been sidelined since March 24.

Sullivan said that the two were “getting closer” to rejoining a full team practice but did not offer specifics.

• Saturday’s morning skate participants included:

Forwards — Jesse Puljujarvi, Radim Zohorna, Valtteri Puustinen, Vinnie Hinostroza, Drew O’Connor, Emil Bemstrom

Defensemen — John Ludvig, Jack St. Ivany, Ryan Shea

Goalies — Tristan Jarry

• Saturday’s game between the Penguins and Bruins will be broadcast nationally on ABC. Puck drop is scheduled for 8:20 p.m.

• Bruins forward Pat Maroon is scheduled to make his debut with the club Saturday, per the Boston Globe. Maroon, 35, was acquired at the trade deadline from Minnesota but had been recovering from back surgery since February. With the Wild, Maroon had four goals and 16 assists in 49 games before he was sidelined. He has played in 778 career NHL contests.

• Boston is expected to start Linus Ullmark in net Saturday. The 30-year-old is 21-9-7 with a 2.55 goals against average and .917 save percentage.