Kulikov's Resilient Return to the Panthers
FORT LAUDERDALE - Dmitry Kulikov's season with the Florida Panthers nearly ended before it truly began. In just the second game, Kulikov hit the boards hard, leading to an extended absence until March 1 due to shoulder surgery.
In his third season back with the Panthers, Kulikov faced the longest regular-season hiatus of his career. "Being out that long was tough, mentally," he shared.
"You come in every day to work, but you’re not really with the team. It was a long process.
Now that I’m back, I’m enjoying every second."
Kulikov wasn't the only Panther sidelined. Key players like Matthew Tkachuk and Tomas Nosek underwent surgery in the off-season, while Sasha Barkov was injured on the first day of training camp. Kulikov became the fourth major player to join Florida’s growing list of injuries, with more to follow as the season wore on.
Coach Paul Maurice often joked about having an all-star lineup in the Panthers' gym during game days. "There were a lot of us," Kulikov noted.
"Once the game started, you’d see about eight guys in the gym, all with long-term injuries. It was a strange feeling."
The real challenge was the helplessness of not being able to contribute. The Panthers managed to stay competitive for a while but eventually slipped out of playoff contention.
"It’s tough not feeling part of the team," Kulikov said. "We all want to help, but all we could do was focus on getting better to return.
We live to play hockey, and we want to be part of it."
As the Panthers prepare for Game 67, Kulikov's return adds depth and resilience to a team eager to make the most of the remainder of the season.