Penguins Skate: Eller In; Graves, Acciari Updates

Pittsburgh Penguins third-line center Lars Eller is expected to be available for Thursday night’s huge home game against the Detroit Red Wings.

Coach Mike Sullivan said the steady two-way player, who missed practice Wednesday because of an illness, should play. Eller did not participate in a lightly-attended Penguins morning skate Thursday at PPG Paints Arena.

Before the morning skate, injured center Noel Acciari (IL, lower body) and defenseman Ryan Graves (concussion) worked out on the ice. They are not expected to play Thursday.

In 78 games (he has not missed a game), Eller has 15 goals, 29 points.

The Penguins on Wednesday recalled forward Radim Zohorna from Wilkes-Barre/Scranton of the American Hockey League and sent forward Sam Poulin back to WBS. Zohorna practiced in Eller’s spot Wednesday.

In no surprise, Sullivan named Alex Nedeljkovic to start in goal for the 10th straight game. It has been Ned in net during the Penguins’ 6-0-3 run that has kept them in contention for a playoff spot.

With a week left in the regular season, the Penguins and Red Wings are tied with 84 points each, one behind the Washington Capitals, who hold the second wildcard spot in the Eastern Conference standings.