SUNRISE, FL – A wrist injury to Florida Panthers defenseman Dmitri Kulikov has opened a potential opportunity for Latvian player Uvis Balinskis as the team prepares to face the Ottawa Senators tonight at 2:00 PM.
Kulikov sustained the injury during Friday night’s 2-1 victory over the Philadelphia Flyers while executing a power play. He has been placed on injured reserve, meaning he will miss at least one week of play. This creates a vacancy in the Panthers’ defensive lineup, possibly allowing balinskis to see increased ice time.
Balinskis,29,appeared in 76 games last season,registering four goals and 18 points. He also made his Stanley Cup debut in the spring, scoring one goal in five playoff matches and making a notable impact during the series against the toronto maple Leafs. He began the season as a seventh defenseman.
The Panthers have started the season with two consecutive wins, following up thier victory against the Flyers with tonight’s home game against ottawa. The injury to Kulikov presents a challenge to the team’s defensive depth, but also a chance for Balinskis to demonstrate his capabilities.
Resources used:
https://www.miamiherald.com/sports/…
