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NHL Player Safety Summons Dmitry Kulikov For Hearing After Laying Brutal Headshot
The NHL is set to review an incident involving Florida Panthers defenseman Dmitry Kulikov after a contentious game against their division rivals, the Tampa Bay Lightning.
Kulikov faces scrutiny for a hit that led to his ejection and could see him facing further disciplinary action.
During a crucial moment in the game, Kulikov delivered a high hit to Tampa Bay's Conor Sheary, directly in front of the Lightning's goal. This play immediately preceded a goal by Florida, which was disallowed due to the infraction, and saw Kulikov assessed a match penalty for his actions.
«Florida's Dmitry Kulikov will have a hearing tomorrow for an illegal check to the head on Tampa Bay's Conor Sheary.»
The hit, which connected with Sheary's head, has sparked a debate among fans and analysts alike. Some argue that Sheary's positioning played a role in how the hit landed, a factor that was considered in the decision to maintain the major penalty upon review.
"I don't know who needs to hear this but the refs had two choices on the Kulikov hit based on the rules: a minor or a match penalty. It wasn't a minor, which is usually incidental contact. He decided to hit Sheary and the head was picked.
It was 💯the right call."
It was 💯the right call."
Source: Bladeofsteel
| POLL | ||
MARS 17 | 76 ANSWERS NHL Player Safety Summons Dmitry Kulikov For Hearing After Laying Brutal Headshot Do you think Dmirty Kulikov will be suspended for this hit? | ||
| Yes | 48 | 63.2 % |
| No | 12 | 15.8 % |
| Just the maximum fine | 16 | 21.1 % |
| List of polls | ||