‘Reliable’ Kulikov All Smiles with Penguins; Sullivan Replaces Joseph with New D-Man

The Pittsburgh Penguins will have new defense pairings when they host the Columbus Blue Jackets Tuesday at PPG Paints Arena, and the new pairs could signify a shift in personnel as much as a demotion for P.O Joseph.

Dmitry Kulikov will be in the Penguins’ lineup in place of Joseph. Coach Mike Sullivan didn’t hesitate when asked.

“We’ll make lineup decisions like we always do (on gameday), but I would anticipate Kulikov playing,” Sullivan said. “He’s a real trustworthy defenseman and good on the penalty kill. In Anaheim, he played against a lot of teams’ top players all year long. His size and his strength will help us. He’s just a reliable, trustworthy guy.”

Kulikov skated on the third pairing with Jan Rutta Monday at practice. Sullivan likes Kulikov’s reliability, even as the defenseman faced the top competition as a member of the Anaheim Ducks’ top pair.

It’s been a whirlwind for Kulikov, 32, who arrived in Pittsburgh Sunday evening. As he finished his media scrum, Penguins’ PR staff introduced themselves. It’s been that hectic since Friday.

“We had to pregame skate that day. And I was at the rink. Obviously, everybody was looking at the NHL network and the trade deadline. I was not playing, so I decided to go home,” said Kulikov. “And then, on the drive home and my phone started ringing, guys sending messages, congratulating me on being traded to a good team. It just clicked like after a few moments, you know? The trade has been made, and I am excited to be here.”

Kulikov’s smile was genuine and didn’t leave his face for some time. While some players dread the trade process and being shuffled around, Kulikov seemed to recognize the opportunity. He’s on a team with a good chance to make the Stanley Cup Playoffs.

He should be used to it, too. The Penguins are his seventh team in seven years since being traded from the Florida Panthers to the Buffalo Sabres after the 2015-16 season.

He has 29 games of NHL playoff experience.

On the ice, Kulikov has never been an offensive defenseman, but he’s not without offensive skills. His best offensive season was 2011-12, when he scored 28 points (4-24-28). He’s a steady, mobile defender, even if he dislikes talking about himself.

“I don’t know if I can describe myself, whatever my game is. I’d rather someone else described my game,” said Kulikov. “I try to play an honest game, work hard and play the game the right way. Don’t cheat and make plays.”

You can see why he might fit well with Sullivan.

In 61 games with Anaheim, the defenseman has 10 points, including three goals. His minus-10 rating is probably a positive because of Anaheim’s awful goal differential (minus-96).

Kulikov is bigger than Joseph, too. At 6-foot-1 and 204 pounds, his stature fits with Brian Dumoulin and Jan Rutta, making him harder to push around.

The Penguins had a little problem with that against Florida.

The Penguins trail the New York Islanders by one point for the first wild card but have only a three-point lead on Buffalo, which has one game in hand. The Penguins also lead Ottawa by three points.

Joseph has been relatively quiet since registering two assists on Feb. 17 against the New York Islanders. He has no points in eight games, though he was a plus-3 against Tampa Bay on Thursday.

The Penguins’ defensive pairs set up like this:

Brian Dumoulin-Kris Letang

Marcus Pettersson-Jeff Petry

Dmitry Kulikov-Jan Rutta.

With Kulikov in the lineup, the youngest member, and the only member of the Penguins’ blue line under 30, will bed Marcus Pettersson at 27. Kulikov’s steady play and experience seem to be prime selling points for a team fighting for a playoff spot.

Sullivan didn’t specifically say the Kulikov addition would be long-term, but his confidence in answering, combined with Kulkov’s ability to face top players, says it probably is. And GM Ron Hextall acquired him while moving Brock McGinn (and his contract) for only a third-rounder.

It could be quite a steal.