Kulikov scored a goal on three shots, added five hits, blocked two shots and went plus-2 in Friday's 5-4 double-overtime win over the Oilers in Game 2 of the Stanley Cup Finals.

EDGE Analysis

Kulikov snapped an eight-game point drought dating back to his goal in Game 5 of the second round versus the Maple Leafs. The 34-year-old Kulikov has been confined to a third-pairing role, though he's seen plenty of ice with the first two games versus the Oilers going to overtime. The defenseman has two goals, three helpers, 19 shots on net, 73 hits, 17 blocked shots and a plus-3 rating over 19 playoff outings.

Kulikov notched an assist and five hits in Tuesday's 6-2 win over the Lightning in Game 1.

EDGE Analysis

This was Kulikov's third game back after he missed 12 contests due to an upper-body injury. The 34-year-old defenseman is once again in a top-four role, though he could see a slight drop in minutes once Aaron Ekblad (suspension) comes back for Saturday's Game 3. Kulikov is a reliable shutdown defender, and he earned 13 points, 114 hits, 71 blocked shots and a plus-12 rating over 70 regular-season appearances.

Kulikov (upper body) will return for Monday's game against the Rangers, George Richards of Florida Hockey Now reports.

EDGE Analysis

Kulikov missed the last 12 games due to an upper-body injury, but he'll be back in action for the Panthers' penultimate game of the regular season. Over 68 appearances this year, he's recorded four goals, nine assists, 110 hits, 70 blocked shots and 38 PIM while averaging 19:17 of ice time.

Kulikov (upper body) will be unavailable versus Buffalo on Saturday, according to Jameson Olive of the Panthers' official site.

EDGE Analysis

Kulikov participated in Saturday's practice and could return Monday versus the Rangers. He will miss his 12th straight game Saturday. Kulikov has four goals, nine assists, 110 hits and 70 blocked shots in 68 outings this season.

Kulikov (upper body) is slated to return to the lineup later this week, according to Colby Guy of The Palm Beach Post on Tuesday.

EDGE Analysis

Head coach Paul Maurice said Saturday that Kulikov could return April 12 versus Buffalo, which seemingly lines up with Tuesday's report. The 34-year-old defenseman has been out of action since March 16 as a result of his upper-body injury. Kulikov has contributed four goals and 13 points across 68 appearances in 2024-25.

Per Jameson Olive of the Panthers' official site, Kulikov (upper body) could return versus Buffalo on April 12, according to coach Paul Maurice on Saturday.

EDGE Analysis

Kulikov has already missed seven games and is poised to miss four more, but he should be completely healthy in time for the start of the playoffs. He has four goals, nine assists, 110 hits and 70 blocked shots over 68 contests this season.

Kulikov (upper body) will travel with the Panthers during their upcoming four-game road trip but won't play in any of those matchups, Jameson Olive of the Panthers' official site reports.

EDGE Analysis

The Panthers had previously reported that Kulikov could return to the lineup during the final week of the regular season, and while he won't suit up during the team's upcoming road trip, it's at least encouraging that he's been cleared to travel. Following the road trip, Kulikov will have five more chances to return during the regular season, and any game action would allow him to regain his conditioning ahead of the NHL playoffs.

Kulikov (upper body) could return to the lineup during the final week of the NHL regular season, Jameson Olive of the Panthers' official site reports Thursday.

EDGE Analysis

Kulikov has already missed three games due to his upper-body injury and now seems poised to be out until the closing contests of the regular season. Considering the 34-year-old defenseman has managed just 13 points in 68 games, fantasy players probably shouldn't be banking on him suddenly providing offensive upside once given the all-clear.

Kulikov was labeled week-to-week by head coach Paul Maurice on Wednesday but is expected back before the end of the regular season, Jameson Olive of the Panthers' official site reports.

EDGE Analysis

Kulikov's absence will stretch a blue line that is already without Aaron Ekblad (suspension). Tobias Bjornfot was called up from the minors and should get plenty of minutes until Kulikov is cleared to return. For his part, the 34-year-old Kulikov has managed four goals, nine assists and 62 shots while dishing out 110 hits in 68 games this year.

Kulikov sustained an upper-body injury Sunday against the Islanders and will not return.

EDGE Analysis

Kulikov immediately departed the game after suffering his injury on a play in which he received a minor penalty for holding against New York's Anthony Duclair. Kulikov will presumably be fully evaluated when the team returns to Florida after Sunday's game. The Panthers are already without Aaron Ekblad (suspension) on the blue line, and if Kulikov has to miss any time, the team will have to summon a defenseman from AHL Charlotte -- Tobias Bjornfot, who has made eight appearances with Florida this season, would probably be first in line for a promotion.