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Panthers’ Kulikov suspended for clipping Seguin; O’Brien recalled

Florida Panthers defenseman Dmitry Kulikov has been suspended indefinitely for Friday night’s hip check gone bad on Dallas Stars forward Tyler Seguin. Kulikov was offered an in-person hearing with the NHL’s Department of Player Safety to state his case in the flesh, but he has decided to have his punishment meted out by phone on Monday morning.

Seguin, currently third in the league in scoring with 59 points, has been placed on injured reserve and is expected to be out for three to six weeks.

The hit in question came during the third period of Florida’s 2-0 shutout loss in Dallas. If you haven’t seen it yet or want to take another look, here it is.

Florida has recalled veteran blueliner Shane O’Brien from the San Antonio Rampage to fill his spot on the roster. O’Brien played in four games earlier this season with the Panthers, collecting one assist to go along with a -4 rating. In 33 tilts with the Silver and Black, the 31-year-old has compiled 8 goals, 11 assists and an even rating, with a team-leading 101 PIM. O’Brien will be in the lineup for this afternoon’s game versus the St. Louis Blues.

How many games should Kulikov sit out?

One Game 24
Two to Three Games 35
Four to Five Games 35
Over Five Games 176

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