COLUMBUS — Matt Hendricks missed seven games with a lower-body injury but when the Winnipeg Jets finally got the veteran centre into their lineup Thursday night, he came just as advertised.
His game was simple but effective.
The 36-year-old Hendricks, signed as a unrestricted free agent in the off-season, blocked a three shots and won seven of 10 draws during 8:57 of ice time. His savvy contributions were crucial against a vaunted Pittsburgh power play. The Penguins didn't score in four chances and Hendricks, who was on the ice for 4:11 of penalty-killing duty, was a big reason the Jets came out with a point in a 2-1 overtime loss.