Dmitry Kulikov has accumulated a lot of memories while enrolled in NHL.
He also has a considerable part of bumps and bruises.
Attacking a large-scale milestone and a physical defender took ice for the 1,000th NHL game when he defeated Los Angeles Kings at Amerant Bank Arena on Wednesday.
Kulikov, who participates in a special club, is the 402nd skater that hits its lofty marks in the history of NHL.
“It’s a huge and huge number,” said Paul Maurice. “There aren’t many people who reach it. I think it’s even more difficult to do as a defender. If you’re a defensive defense, penalty killer, shot blocker, or a batter, it’s a difficult number to reach. “
Kulikov, which was selected by Panthers in the 14th general pick in the 2009 NHL draft, is suitable for eight different teams in his career, but spending 588 games in 1,000 games with Florida, and now in franchise history. It exists as the best leader. Hit with 970.
After returning to 2023, he helped Panthers claim the first stun lakeup in history.
Before playing 1,000 games, Kulikov took a little time to look back on his incredible journey.
Keep reading: to see what he had to say.
It is meaningful for him to reach 1,000 NHL games
“I’m an old man (laughs). That’s what I think. When I first heard that someone was playing 1,000 games, the number was meaningless to me. But it’s a lot of games, so it doesn’t seem to be about 1,000 because it is going to be at that time. Now is the 16th year.
About how much he grew after entering NHL at the age of 18
“That’s a trip. Learn a few on the way. As a professional, you will learn how to become an excellent teammate and learn how to play the game in the right way. I am a lot of different teammates. I had a lot of different coaches, but I seem to be a professional, and take care of your teammates. Everything I had to worry about -I will come out in the right way as possible, play the game in the right way, and before you know it. It’s a year.
