Dmitry Kulikov, Key Panthers Defenseman, Out with Injury
Experienced defenseman Dmitry Kulikov, a key piece in the Florida Panthers’ defense during their recent successes, will be out indefinitely due to an injury.
Kulikov, 34, suffered the injury in the second game of the season, in the 2-1 victory over the Philadelphia Flyers last Thursday. During the match, the player played 11 shifts, accumulating a playing time of 7:47 minutes. After a collision with Flyers forward Bobby Brink in the second period, Kulikov left the ice holding his right wrist.
Kulikov’s move to the injured list was made official on Friday. On Saturday, before the home game against the Ottawa Senators, coach Paul Maurice informed the media that the veteran might require surgery.
The Panthers, who started the season with a 2-0 record, are already without their captain Aleksander Barkov, who underwent knee surgery last month, and forward Matthew Tkachuk, who will be out until at least December due to a lower-body injury.
This is Kulikov’s second stint with the Panthers. Last season, he participated in 70 games, scoring four goals and adding 13 points.
