The NHL has suspended Panthers defenseman Dmitry Kulikov for two games due to an illegal check

Dmitry Kulikov

Florida Panthers defenseman Dmitry Kulikov has been handed a two-game suspension by the NHL for an illegal check to the head of Tampa Bay Lightning forward Conor Sheary.

The league disclosed the disciplinary action on Monday.

Dmitry Kulikov (Credits: NHL)

The incident took place 3:36 into the second period of Tampa Bay’s 5-3 triumph on Saturday night, resulting in Kulikov receiving a match penalty.

As a consequence of the suspension, Kulikov will forfeit $10,416.66 from his salary based on his average annual earnings. The funds will be directed to an emergency assistance fund for NHL players.