Florida Panthers defenseman Dmitry Kulikov logged a team-leading 22:49 minutes of ice time, fired one shot on goal and finished with an even rating during a 4-2 loss to Avangard Omsk in Wednesday action from the KHL. Kulikov was again paired with Mikhail Pashnin for much of the game and was on the ice for Avangard’s clinching empty net power play goal late in the third period. Kulikov’s performance was most impressive as Avangard kept Lokomotiv hemmed into their own end for much of the game, out shooting them by a 37-13 margin.
Anssi Salmela put Avangard ahead 1-0 at the 2:44 mark of the opening period with an even strength goal.
Mikhail Pashnin tied the game for Lokomotiv early in the second period. The goal was his first of the season and was assisted by Yegor Yakovlev.
Anton Kuryanov scored an unassisted power play goal later in the frame to restore the lead for Omsk.
Lokomotiv evened the game again early in the third period as Maxim Trunyov notched his fifth goal of the campaign.
Avangard’s Alexander Perezhogin delivered the game-winner and empty net clincher to raise his goal total to 14 on the season. Alexander Popov assisted on both of the goals.
Karri Rämö made 13 saves to pick up the win for Omsk while Semyon Varlamov made 34 saves in a losing effort.