Malkin missed five games from Feb. 1-9 because of an upper-body injury, which he said Thursday was to his neck. Being healthy has Malkin expecting to improve upon his minus-17 rating.
"I feel OK right now," he said. "I hope confidence comes back to me. I'll do my best to help the team to win."
Coach Mike Sullivan, who likely will play Malkin at second-line center with left wing Tanner Pearson and right wing Phil Kessel on Saturday, stressed the importance of the 32-year-old returning to form.
"I think it's critical," Sullivan said. "All we can do is look forward. So I know he's excited to get back in the lineup. We're certainly excited to get him back. He's an impact player and we know he's going to be real good for us."
The Penguins and Malkin have gone through periods of inconsistency this season.
Pittsburgh has won its past two games after losing their previous four (0-3-1). The Penguins lost nine of 10 games (1-7-2) from Oct. 30-Nov. 19 before winning 10 of 11 from Dec. 14-Jan. 4.
Malkin had 20 points (seven goals, 13 assists) in his first 11 games, then had 13 points (three goals, 10 assists) in his next 19. He had 22 points (four goals, 18 assists) in 20 games prior to his neck injury.
He doesn't think his, or the Penguins' inconsistencies will continue over the next two months.
"It's a long season," he said. "In the last 25 games left, try to find our game. Play fast, play smart, play better in the [defensive] zone. Make the playoffs. Doesn't matter what's going on all season. It's most important in the playoffs.
"We know that. If we make the playoffs, it's a new life and a new challenge for us. Again, we have a great team. We understand it's a tough League, but we try to win every game."
