The Pittsburgh Penguins are scheduled to start goaltender Alex Nedeljkovic in Saturday's home game against the Montreal Canadiens at PPG Paints Arena.

Coach Mike Sullivan announced Nedeljkovic's status following an optional morning skate at the team's practice facility in Cranberry.

In four games this season, Nedeljkovic has a 1-2-1 record, a 3.18 goals against average and an .890 save percentage.

On Thursday, Nedeljkovic recorded his first win of the season by making 22 saves on 23 shots in a 2-1 home overtime win against the Anaheim Ducks.

Throughout his career, Nedeljkovic has played the Canadiens in five games and has a 2-1-1 record, a 1.91 goals against average and a .944 save percentage.

Notes:

* Sullivan indicated forward Evgeni Malkin is available for the game. Malkin did not practice on Friday for what was termed as a "maintenance day."

* Those who participated in the optional morning skate included:

Forwards - Kevin Hayes, Blake Lizotte, Malkin, Matt Nieto, Jesse Puljujarvi, Valtteri Puustinen

* According to Sullivan, forward Bryan Rust took to the ice before the morning skate. Currently designated to injured reserve due to an undisclosed ailment, Rust has missed the past two games.

* Penguins defenseman Kris Letang has played in 1,099 career games.

* The Canadiens did not stage a morning skate.

* Canadiens forward Nick Suzuki has 399 career points.