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“Would be nice to have a full lineup to see what we’ve got,” said coach Todd McLellan, who has had forwards Jordan Eberle (separated shoulder), McDavid, Nail Yakupov (ankle sprain) and now Nugent-Hopkins on the shelf at various times this season.

Hendricks also has also been hurt this year (an injured ankle bone from blocking a shot) and was suspended for three games.

But on Monday he had to answer for the hit he delivered to Aaron Ekbald during the Jan. 10 game in Edmonton. He had to fight, it wasn’t a clean hit. The pre-game hype was for possible fireworks. And they came just four minutes into the 4-2 Oilers victory. But after the scrap, things settled down.

“They felt they had to send a message,” Hendricks said. “The code … I had to stand up for what I did. We got it over quickly and both teams got down to playing hockey. There was no jawing or anything after the fight.”

Hendricks said the game was a tough one for several reasons, including the first suspension of his career and having to hold down centre, a position he hasn’t played for a long time. “But I credit my teammates, they showed great team toughness,” Hendricks said. “I had Luke (Gazdic) behind me all night helping me out, Kass (Zack Kassian), Darnell (Nurse), a bunch of guys, and when you have that kind of protection, it makes it easier for me.

“I also got lots of help from Todd protecting my minutes at centre and from my wingers.”

McLellan wasn’t sure how many fights there would be before the game; in the end there was just the one. He knew Hendricks wouldn’t shirk from the task at hand.

“It was the honour system out there. Gudbranson had a big hit on (Taylor) Hall last game in Edmonton and Matt had a solid hit that was ruled illegal on Ekblad and those two went at it early,” McLellan said.

“Real honourable fight. The days of the gong show (with fights breaking out everywhere) are long gone.”

jmatheson@postmedia.com

Twitter.com/nhlbymatty