NHL Buzz: Kulikov out week to week for Penguins

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Pittsburgh Penguins

Dmitry Kulikov is out week to week with a lower-body injury.
The defenseman did not play in a 6-4 loss to the Montreal Canadiens on Tuesday after missing the third period of a 3-2 overtime win against the New York Rangers on Sunday.
Pittsburgh is without two players it acquired before the 2023 NHL Trade Deadline. Kulikov arrived from the Anaheim Ducks on March 3, the same day forward Nick Bonino (week to week, lacerated kidney) was acquired in a three-team trade with the San Jose Sharks and Canadiens.
"I just don't think we have the luxury of frustration," coach Mike Sullivan said. "We're trying to put a lineup on the ice every night that's going to give us a chance to win. The reality is that injuries are part of the sport. Every team has them."
Kulikov has 16 points (three goals, 13 assists) in 65 games this season, including one assist in four games with the Penguins.
Pierre-Olivier Joseph replaced Kulikov on a defense pair with Jan Rutta against Montreal on Tuesday. Joseph had been a healthy scratch the past three games. -- Wes Crosby

Tampa Bay Lightning

Steven Stamkos is day to day with a lower-body injury and did not play in a 4-1 win at the New Jersey Devils on Tuesday.
The forward had two shots on goal in 17:49 in a 3-2 loss to the Winnipeg Jets on Sunday after he left with an apparent left leg injury following a battle along the boards with Chicago Blackhawks forward Joey Anderson late in the first period of a 3-1 victory Saturday.
Stamkos is third on the Lightning with 66 points (27 goals, 39 assists) in 67 games this season.

Washington Capitals

Alex Ovechkin did not play in a 5-3 loss at the Rangers on Tuesday because of a lower-body injury.
The forward had an assist in 19:49 in Washington's 5-1 win at the New York Islanders on Saturday. He leads the Capitals this season in goals (36) and points (62) in 62 games.
Washington also played without forward Sonny Milano on Tuesday because of an illness.
Asked if there's a chance Ovechkin or Milano will be available when the Capitals host the Buffalo Sabres on Wednesday (7 p.m. ET; NBCSWA, MSG-B, ESPN+, SN NOW), coach Peter Laviolette said, "I have no idea. Whatever our lineup is, it's got to be ready, and we've got to win a game."

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