In recent NHL developments, several teams face injury challenges that could impact their performance over the upcoming games. Notably, the Florida Panthers and Carolina Hurricanes are dealing with key player absences due to injuries.
Florida Panthers’ Injury Report
Dmitry Kulikov, a defenseman for the Florida Panthers, will miss the team’s five-game road trip. This trip kicks off against the Philadelphia Flyers on Monday at 7 p.m. ET. Kulikov sustained an upper-body injury while playing against the Flyers at Amerant Bank Arena. Coach Paul Maurice has indicated that Kulikov will consult with a doctor to assess the injury’s severity.
In light of Kulikov’s absence, the Panthers have called up defenseman Tobias Bjornfot from the Charlotte Checkers of the AHL. However, he is not expected to play in the upcoming game.
Carolina Hurricanes Facing Player Evaluations
The Carolina Hurricanes’ defenseman Jaccob Slavin is under evaluation for a lower-body injury. Slavin missed crucial minutes in a recent game against the Flyers and may not travel for the team’s six-game road trip starting Tuesday against the San Jose Sharks at 10 p.m. ET. Goalie Pyotr Kochetkov will also remain behind due to a lower-body issue.
Backup Goalie Plans
Rod Brind’Amour, the head coach of the Hurricanes, stated that backup goalie Brandon Bussi is expected to start at least one game during the upcoming road stretch.
New York Rangers and Pittsburgh Penguins Updates
The New York Rangers will be without defenseman Carson Soucy for at least one week due to an upper-body injury sustained during their 6-1 victory over the Pittsburgh Penguins. Soucy has been placed on injured reserve, and Connor Mackey has been recalled from the Hartford Wolf Pack of the AHL. Mackey did not participate in the Rangers’ recent 1-0 loss to the Washington Capitals.
Meanwhile, Vincent Trocheck of the Rangers is classified as week-to-week with an upper-body injury. On the other hand, Pittsburgh Penguins defenseman Kris Letang is listed as day-to-day after missing time in their last outing against the Rangers. Letang will travel with the team as they embark on a three-game road trip starting with the Anaheim Ducks on Tuesday at 10:30 p.m. ET.
Upcoming Schedule
- Florida Panthers vs. Philadelphia Flyers – Monday at 7 p.m. ET
- Carolina Hurricanes vs. San Jose Sharks – Tuesday at 10 p.m. ET
- New York Rangers vs. Washington Capitals – Recent result: 1-0 loss
- Pittsburgh Penguins vs. Anaheim Ducks – Road trip begins Tuesday at 10:30 p.m. ET
These injuries will certainly shape the strategic decisions for the affected teams as they navigate the critical upcoming games. Fans will be watching closely to see how the rosters adjust in response to these challenges.
