Kulikov (undisclosed) missed Thursday's skate and is considered day-to-day, Paul Hamilton of WGR 550 reports.

EDGE Analysis

Kulikov played 23:44 Wednesday against Ottawa but clearly something is bothering him enough to be held out of Thursday's skate. He's considered day-to-day and his status for Friday's game is questionable. He's one of Buffalo's top veteran shutdown defenseman and provides a stabilizing presence for rookie partner Casey Nelson. Kulikov's absence certainly makes this difficult for the Sabres on defense, and head coach Dan Bylsma will certainly lean on his top pairing of Josh Gorges and Rasmus Ristolainen a lot more. The Sabres may make a call-up from AHL Rochester so stay tuned.