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Panthers’ Dmitry Kulikov suspended 4 games for low hit on Tyler Seguin

By Vinnie Criscenzo

Jan 8, 2015; Vancouver, British Columbia, CAN; Florida Panthers defenseman Dmitry Kulikov (7) skates against the Vancouver Canucks during the second period at Rogers Arena. The Florida Panthers won 3-1. Mandatory Credit: Anne-Marie Sorvin-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 8, 2015; Vancouver, British Columbia, CAN; Florida Panthers defenseman Dmitry Kulikov (7) skates against the Vancouver Canucks during the second period at Rogers Arena. The Florida Panthers won 3-1. Mandatory Credit: Anne-Marie Sorvin-USA TODAY Sports /
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Florida Panthers defenseman Dmitry Kulikov has been given a four-game suspension for his low hit on Tyler Seguin.

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The NHL Department of Player Safety has suspended Florida Panthers defenseman Dmitry Kulikov for four games for his low hit on Dallas Stars forward Tyler Seguin.

The incident took place in a game between to the Panthers and Stars Friday night in Dallas. Seguin was trying to control the puck and carry it into the Florida zone. He passed the puck to his left as he crossed the blue-line and then was hit hard directly on his knee as Kulikov attempted a hip-check. However, Kulikov mistimed the hit and his upper-body ran right into Seguin’s knee.

Seguin was hurt on the play and did not return to the game. Kulikov received a five-minute major for clipping and a 10-minute game misconduct for the hit. Seguin will now miss 3-6 weeks with the knee injury.

As the video explains, Kulikov has never been suspended or fined prior to this incident, which makes him a first-time offender. However, it was a very dangerous hit and he received a major penalty and a 10-minut misconduct for the hit. Also, Seguin was significantly hurt and taken out of the game. The four games are probably a fair amount.

It’s a significant loss for both teams. It’s probably a bigger loss for the Stars, as they lose their leading goal-scorer for at least three weeks and they are in the middle of a playoff hunt.

Kulikov has been having a much improved season from last year that saw him be a career worst minus-26. Through 49 games so far this season, Kulikov has 2 goals and 15 assists and has an even rating. Kulikov is not afraid to get physical, but by no means is he a dirty player. This looked to be more of just an unfortunate incident as Kulikov mistimed his hit on Seguin. However, he did get significantly lower then he needed to.

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