Kulikov was issued a match penalty for an illegal hit to the head of Tampa Bay's Conor Sheary

On Monday, the NHL announced that Florida Panthers defenseman Dmitry Kulikov has been suspended for two games. 

The disciplinary action comes after Kulikov was issued a match penalty for an illegal check to the head.

It happened during Saturday's 5-3 loss to the Tampa Bay Lightning. 

Florida will be without Kulikov for its home game against the Nashville Predators on Thursday and road game against the New York Rangers on Saturday night. 

Panthers Head Coach Paul Maurice indicated after Monday's practice that if Kulikov were to be suspended, newly claimed defenseman Tobias Bjornfot could slot into the lineup. 

Bjornfot has played three games for the Vegas Golden Knights over the past two seasons. 

He has 119 games of NHL experience under his belt, nearly all of which coming with the Los Angeles Kings from 2019 to 2022. 

Florida is still around a week or so away from getting defenseman Aaron Ekblad back in the lineup. 

Ekblad was injured during Florida's 5-1 win over the Calgary Flames on March 9 and was given a two-week timetable. 

To view the NHL's full explanation behind the decision, click here.

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