Stamkos hopes to return in Eastern Conference finals

Steven Stamkos is eyeing a return to the lineup during his team's Eastern Conference bout against the Pittsburgh Penguins.

The Tampa Bay Lightning captain took the ice Friday for an optional skate - wearing a regular jersey, not a non-contact one - and told reporters he hopes to play in this series.

The 26-year-old has been out since March 31 with a blood clot, and though he remains on blood thinners, he doesn't believe that will stop a possible return.

"There's a chance," Stamkos said, according to Joe Smith of the Tampa Bay Times. "That's why I'm putting in the hard work. If there wasn't a chance, I'd have pom-poms out and be a cheerleader."

Injured Tampa Bay defenseman Anton Stralman and forward J.T. Brown both skated Friday as well. Stralman will remain out of Friday's contest with a broken leg, but hasn't ruled out Game 2. Meanwhile Brown appears to be a game-time decision for Game 1.