Kulikov had a great Game 2, potting a goal and assisting on another in a 3-1 win over the Islanders.

EDGE Analysis

Granted, the tally was of the empty-net variety, but a goal is a goal. Considered a far less appealing pick among Panthers' defensemen behind sophomore stud Aaron Ekblad -- and even veteran Brian Campbell -- Kulikov has impressed in the series' first two games, putting up three points and a plus-3 rating in just under 44 minutes of ice time.

Kulikov provided a pair of assists in Sunday's win over the Wild.

EDGE Analysis

It was the first multi-point effort of the season for Kulikov, who now has eight points (seven assists) on the year. The 25-year-old has been seeing his fair share of ice time, but he's yet to produce consistently enough to be relied upon for fantasy owners.

Kulikov surprised the Devils' Corey Schneider with a shot from the faceoff circle for his first goal of the season Thursday, adding a plus-3 rating in a 5-1 victory.

EDGE Analysis

The tally gave the Panthers a 2-0 lead at the time and thus served as the game-winner. That makes it the first game-winning goal for Kulikov since April 7, 2013 -- that's a 183-game span. The Russian blueliner's offensive ability has long been touted, but since opening his career with some promise, including a respectable 28 points in 58 games in 2011-12, he's seen his productivity fall off. At just 25 years old, there's still time for Kulikov to find his way, and it's worth noting that he's seen a much-increased role since returning from a lower-body injury seven games ago. He skated 23:15 in Thursday's game, leading all Panthers.

Kulikov (lower body) will return to action Friday against the Blue Jackets, Harvey Fialkov of the South Florida Sun-Sentinel reports.

EDGE Analysis

Kulikov has missed Florida's last eight games with an upper-body injury, but has fully recovered from the ailment, and will replace Dylan Olsen in the Panthers' lineup for Friday's tilt against Columbus. The 25-year-old blueliner has tallied three assists in 17 games this season.

Kulkov (lower body) is expected to receive clearance to play Friday against the Blue Jackets, George Richards of the Miami Herald reports.

EDGE Analysis

The news effectively rules out Kulikov for Thursday's tilt with the Predators, but certainly bodes well for his chances of returning to the lineup Friday. The Panthers will need to make a move to clear roster space, but expect to see Kulikov along the blueline Friday for the first time since Nov. 14 when he suffered the injury.

Kulikov (lower body) will return for one of the Panthers' next two games, Harvey Fialkov of the South Florida Sun-Sentinel reports.

EDGE Analysis

Kulikov has been sidelined since Nov. 14 because of the lower-body injury, but it appears his return is finally on the horizon. His return will likely require the Panthers to make a move to clear a roster spot, but he should be a consistent presence in the defensive pairings once he returns.

Kulikov (lower body) will not return to the lineup Tuesday, but will likely return to the lineup in one of the back-to-back games either Thursday or Friday, Harvey Fialkov of the South Flordia Sun-Sentinel reports.

EDGE Analysis

A return Thursday would put Kulikov just two weeks exactly removed from his initial two-to-for-week timetable for the lower-body injury. Fortunately, it sounds as though he's doing well enough in his recovery to return, so expect an update on his status at some point prior to his return to the lineup.

Kulikov (lower body) was placed on injured reserve by the Panthers on Wednesday, Craig Davis of the South Florida Sun-Sentinel reports.

EDGE Analysis

Kulikov was given a two-to-four week timetable last Thursday, so his placement to injured reserve shouldn't come as much of a surprise. The move will allow the Panthers to open up a roster spot for another blueliner should they choose to call one up.

Kulikov (lower body) will be sidelined for the next 2-to-4 weeks with a lower-body injury, Harvey Fialkov of the South Florida Sun Sentinel reports.

EDGE Analysis

Head coach Gerard Gallant told reporters Sunday that Kulikov would be out "for at least a week" with a lower-body injury he sustained in Saturday's tilt against Tampa Bay. Kulikov recently underwent an MRI, which must have revealed that the ailment is more severe than initially expected. Steve Kampfer will continue to slot into Florida's lineup as the Panthers' sixth defenseman in Kulikov's absence.

Kulikov will miss at least a week due to the lower-body injury suffered in Saturday's game against the Lightning, Harvey Fialkov of the South Florida Sun-Sentinel reports.

EDGE Analysis

The Panthers haven't specified Kulikov's injury beyond the lower-body, but it's serious enough to cost him at least a week. Steve Kampfer will fill in for him along the blue line while he recovers.