Panthers Lose Kulikov for Season, Call Up AHL Duo

Dmitry Kulikov's season ends abruptly for the Panthers, forcing Florida to dig deep into the AHL system for reinforcements just as the playoff push intensifies. The 35-year-old vet has been a steadying presence on the back end, logging heavy minutes in all situations, and his absence leaves a gap that Zito's crew knows all too well from past injury scrambles. Those two recalls better hit the ground running, because the Atlantic stays unforgiving this time of year.