After missing a month on LTIR, the Pittsburgh Penguins are getting Dmitry Kulikov back in the lineup.

PITTSBURGH - As the Pittsburgh Penguins take the ice ahead of the most important game of the season, they announce that Dmitry Kulikov will return to the lineup.

Kulikov has been out of the Penguins lineup since March 12 with a lower-body injury and was previously placed on long-term injured reserve.

With Kulikov returning to the lineup, he will take the place of Mark Friedman on the third defensive unit.

P.O. Joseph maintains his spot in the lineup on the second unit with Jeff Petry.

The Penguins will have decisions to make on defense when Marcus Pettersson is eligible to return to the lineup.

In his first four games since joining the Penguins, Kulikov has recorded a single assist while averaging 12:40 of ice per game.

Alex Nylander is also in the lineup after again being an emergency recall earlier in the day.

Nylander takes the place of Drew O’Connor for the second straight game.

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