The Florida Panthers are navigating a challenging period ahead of the playoffs, as injuries to key players threaten to disrupt their momentum. On March 19, 2025, head coach Paul Maurice provided updates on several players, most notably defenseman Dmitry Kulikov, who is sidelined due to an upper-body injury sustained during a game against the New York Islanders on March 16.
Kulikov collided with teammate Anthony Duclair late in the first period and did not return to the ice, leading to his current status of being week-to-week. "We’ll list him as week-to-week, upper-body," Maurice told reporters in Fort Lauderdale, highlighting a concern for the Panthers as they approach the crucial final weeks of the regular season. Nonetheless, there is hope that Kulikov could return before the playoffs commence. "We expect him to play before the end of the regular season,” Maurice added.
Throughout this season, the 34-year-old Kulikov has appeared in 68 games for the Panthers, contributing 13 points with four goals and nine assists. In addition to his point production, he boasts a plus-13 rating and averages 19:17 in ice time per game. This injury complicates the Panthers’ defense, which is already missing star Aaron Ekblad, who is currently serving a 20-game suspension for violating the NHL/NHLPA Performance Enhancing Substances Program. Ekblad will not be eligible to return until the playoffs begin, which further intensifies the scrutiny on the defensive lineup.
Another significant player, Brad Marchand, who was traded to the Panthers from the Boston Bruins on March 7, is also expected to miss several weeks after the trade. Upon his arrival, Bruins GM Don Sweeney indicated that Marchand would be out 3-4 weeks, which suggests he could make his potential debut on April 8 against the Toronto Maple Leafs, after a four-game road trip. Maurice emphasized that while Marchand was on the ice during practice, his timeline remains unchanged. Fans are eager to see how Marchand will bolster the team once he returns.
Matthew Tkachuk’s situation also raises concerns, as he remains out until at least the start of the playoffs due to another injury. Meanwhile, forward Sam Bennett took a day off on March 19 but is expected to be back on the ice for the upcoming game against the Columbus Blue Jackets on March 20. As Maurice noted, "They are all right where they’re supposed to be talking about the injury updates, while adding, "His play has been solid for us." These phrases paint a picture of a team at a crossroads, relying heavily on the remaining healthy players to step up.
The Panthers enter this intense stretch with a current record of 41-24-3, sitting atop the Atlantic Division, just two points ahead of both the Tampa Bay Lightning and Toronto Maple Leafs. With only fourteen games remaining in the regular season, every game holds increasing importance. The team’s performance in upcoming matchups against the Columbus Blue Jackets on March 20 and the Washington Capitals on March 22 will be critical as they aim to cement their playoff positioning.
As the Panthers prepare to take on the Blue Jackets, the urgency of the situation is palpable. They’ve faced a few struggles recently, evident in their current two-game losing streak, and the loss of key players like Kulikov and are approaching a pivotal moment in the season. The latest updates on injuries put a heavier weight on the next few games as they navigate a playoff race that promises to be competitive.
This stretch run will test the depth and resilience of the Panthers' roster significantly. The minutes given to roles usually filled by Kulikov and Ekblad will now rest on the shoulders of other players, including Niko Mikkola, who will step into Kulikov’s position. Maurice stated, “It’s nice to bring up a guy whom everybody knows” as he acknowledged the challenges ahead.
In summary, the Florida Panthers are confronting a daunting schedule ahead, battling both injuries and the pressure of a playoff spot. With their recent performances leaving something to be desired, the team’s ability to adapt in the face of adversity will be paramount. Fans will be watching closely to see how their squad responds in the coming days as they aim to clinch their spot and make a strong playoff push.