Oilers' Hendricks expecting Panthers to be physical after Ekblad hit

Edmonton Oilers forward Matt Hendricks isn't expecting the Florida Panthers to make life easy for him when he returns to the lineup Monday. The winger is coming off a three-game suspension for boarding defenseman Aaron Ekblad on January 10.

"I'm sure they'll play me physical," Hendricks said, per Jim Matheson of the Edmonton Journal. The 34-year-old is currently tied with defenseman Eric Gryba for the team lead in penalty minutes (44), but will surely hope the Panthers won't be seeking retribution as the teams meet again.

Regardless, both teams have inserted some extra grit into their lineups with Luke Gazdic (four fights in 27 games) suiting up for the Oilers while the Panthers are dressing Shawn Thornton (four fights in 24 games), who joked his return after being scratched Sunday has nothing to do with Hendricks.

"We're having trouble scoring," said Thornton, who has one goal this season. "I'll be out there for my dangling and toe-dragging."

The Panthers, losers of three in a row since their franchise-best 12-game winning streak ended last Monday, will certainly hope their players can stay focused on the game rather than exacting revenge for Ekblad - who will likely return Friday against Chicago, according to Panthers coach Gerard Gallant.

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