Dmitry Kulikov vehemently denied a rumor that he wants to leave the NHL and play hockey in Russia. "I would like to face those people saying those things and ask them where they are getting their information," said Kulikov. "Wanting to go back to Russia? Those words have never come out of my mouth. I think the people starting that are just trying to create more drama for the league or whatever. ... I want to help turn things around here. I want to win here. The year we made the playoffs was like the best thing ever. It's a totally different feeling. I want to feel that again." He played with the KHL's Yaroslavl Locomotiv franchise during the lockout last year and he enjoyed the experience, but he feels it was enough to satisfy him. The 23-year-old defenseman had a rough start to the 2013-14 season, but he has been playing better of late. He has recorded four goals and one assist in his past eight games.