Panthers defender goes head-hunting, tries to injure Rangers forward

Midway through the first period of Game 2 between the Rangers and Panthers, Kulikov stepped up on an unsuspecting Wennberg at the Rangers' blueline as Wennberg was attempting to receive a dangerous pass. The puck was on and off his stick in a split second, which resulted in Kulikov receiving a penalty on the play. Initially, Kulikov was given a major for interference, but after review, it was reduced to a minor.

There has been much debate since the hit about whether the penalty should have been kept as a major or reduced. The primary point of contact was the head of Wennberg and it was a blindside hit, which is a hit the NHL has been attempting to get out of the league for more than a decade now. However, on the other side, Wennberg was reaching for the puck and put himself in a vulnerable position, and lower to the ice which resulted in his head being the point of contact instead of the chest or shoulder.

Kulikov didn't leave his feet or lead with an elbow or extend his arms at contact and given that the refs reduced the penalty to a minor, it is unlikely that he will see any supplemental discipline. Wennberg returned to the game and played just under 19 minutes and the Rangers ended up winning the game in overtime.