Dmitry Kulikov, Key Panthers Defenseman, on Injured Reserve
Experienced defenseman Dmitry Kulikov, a key player in the Florida Panthers’ defense during their recent successful campaigns, has been placed on the injured reserve list and will be out of action indefinitely.
Kulikov, 34, suffered the injury in the second game of the season, in the 2-1 victory over the Philadelphia Flyers on Thursday. During the match, which lasted 7 minutes and 47 seconds, the player participated in 11 shifts. After a collision with Flyers forward Bobby Brink in the second period, Kulikov left the ice holding his right wrist.
The Panthers confirmed his inclusion on the injured list on Friday. On Saturday, before the morning practice prior to his team’s 6-2 victory over the Ottawa Senators, coach Paul Maurice informed the media that the veteran might require surgery.
The Panthers, who have started the season with a 3-0-0 record, are already without their captain Aleksander Barkov, who underwent knee surgery last month, and forward Matthew Tkachuk, who will be out at least until 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 accumulating 13 points.
