Panthers defenseman Josh Mahura speaks after Florida's 5-3 loss to Tampa Bay on March 16 Florida Panthers defenseman Dmitry Kulikov could be facing some discipline from the NHL after being penalized for a hit that occurred on Saturday. During the second period of Florida’s 5-3 loss to the Tampa Bay Lightning, Kulikov was given a match penalty for an illegal check to the head. The play occurred during a scramble in front of Tampa Bay’s net. Image [https://thehockeynews.com/.image/c_fit,h_600,w_600/MjAwNjE3OTM2NjIzMjQ4NDky/img_6014.jpg] Kulikov caught Lightning forward Conor Sheary in the head with his elbow as the two came together just above the goal crease. Sheary’s head was down as he was looking at the puck, and Kulikov skated into him and delivered a direct hit to the side of the helmet. Sheary immediately went down and the puck made it way to Panthers defenseman Josh Mahura, who quickly corralled it and sent a wrist shot past Lightning goalie Andrei Vasilevskiy. Initially called a goal, officials reviewed the play and ultimately called the five minute major and gave Kulikov a game misconduct. On Sunday, the NHL Department of Player Safety announced that it would hold a hearing with Kulikov regarding the hit. The veteran defenseman has been suspended once before during his career. It came back in February of 2015 for clipping Dallas Stars forward Tyler Seguin, who had to miss several weeks due to the hit. Kulikov was suspended four games. Expect an announcement from the NHL DOPS sometime after Monday’s hearing. For what it's worth, former NHL defenseman and current ESPN commentator P.K. Subban thinks Kulikov getting a match penalty for the hit was "egregious." Check out his comments below. LATEST STORIES FROM THE HOCKEY NEWS - FLORIDA THN Archive: Mike Keenan, Roberto Luongo among key Panthers topics during summer of 2002 [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/florida-panthers/latest-news/thn-archive-mike-keenan-roberto-luongo-among-key-panthers-topics-during-summer-of-2002] Three takeaways: Rough week for Panthers ends with power play struggles, team ready to move on [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/florida-panthers/latest-news/three-takeaways-rough-week-for-panthers-ends-with-power-play-struggles-team-ready-to-move-on] Panthers stymied by Andrei Vasilevskiy, lose 5-3 to Tampa Bay [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/florida-panthers/game-day/panthers-stymied-by-andrei-vasilevskiy-lose-5-3-to-tampa-bay] Expect fireworks in latest rivalry matchup between Panthers and Lightning [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/florida-panthers/game-day/expect-fireworks-in-latest-rivalry-matchup-between-panthers-and-lightning] The Hockey Show: Catching up with Bruce Boudreau, talking jerseys with Paul Lukas [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/florida-panthers/latest-news/the-hockey-show-catching-up-with-bruce-boudreau-talking-jerseys-with-paul-lukas] Image [https://thehockeynews.com/.image/c_fit,h_600,w_600/MjAxNjQxMjA5NjI4NzMxMDIz/unnamed.jpg]
