Dmitry Kulikov Returns, but Florida Panthers Lose to New York Islanders

Florida Panthers defenseman Dmitry Kulikov meets the media after his team lost 5-4 to the New York Islanders at Belmont Park on Sunday, March 1, 2026.

Kulikov returned to the lineup for the first time since injuring his shoulder in Florida’s second game of the season.

Sam Bennett scored twice for the Panthers; Sandis Vilmanis gave Florida a 1-0 lead.

Sam Reinhart tied the score with a goal at 18:52 — only the Islanders won it on a drive-in goal by Andres Lee in the final minute.

The Panthers remain eight points out of the playoffs after losing the past two; they have also lost seven of the past nine.

Florida continues the road trip Tuesday against the New Jersey Devils.

Video Courtesy Florida Panthers / @FlaPanthers / Panthers Vision

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Video Courtesy Florida Panthers / Panther Vision