Malkin hopes to return during series vs. Rangers

Pittsburgh's potent offense exploded for five goals in its Game 1 victory over the New York Rangers, and another weapon for the Penguins looms.

Superstar center Evgeni Malkin told reporters Thursday that he's aiming to return to practice Friday, and is hopeful he can join the team before the end of Round 1.

An upper-body injury has kept Malkin out of the lineup since March 11, but the Penguins went 13-1 in his absence.

Malkin scored 58 points in 57 games in the regular season.