Dmitry Kulikov (knee) will return to the lineup Thursday against the Sharks, Harvey Fialkov of the South Florida Sun Sentinel reports.

Kulikov (knee) will return to the lineup Thursday against the Sharks, Harvey Fialkov of the South Florida Sun Sentinel reports.

Analysis:

Kulikov missed the previous four games with the injury, but resumed practicing Monday and should be prepared to play his usual 20-plus minutes versus San Jose. The Panthers will scratch Colby Robak to make room for Kulikov's return.