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, according to reports.
Kulikov, 34, suffered the injury in the second game of the season, in the 2-1 victory against the Philadelphia Flyers on Thursday. In this match, the player participated in 11 shifts, accumulating 7 minutes and 47 seconds on the ice.
The incident occurred in the second period, after a collision with Flyers forward Bobby Brink. Kulikov left the ice holding his right wrist.
The Panthers officially placed him on the injured list on Friday. On Saturday, prior to the home game against the Ottawa Senators, coach Paul Maurice told the media that the veteran might require surgery.
The Panthers, who have started the season with a 2-0 record, are already without their captain, Aleksander Barkov, who underwent knee surgery last month, and without 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 adding 13 points.
