Sabres' Dmitry Kulikov: Absent from practice Monday

Kulikov (back) was not on the ice for Monday's practice, Bill Hoppe of the Olean Times Herald reports.

Analysis:

Kulikov suffered a bruised back injury Friday in a preseason game against Toronto. It's not believed to be serious, but his status for Tuesday's preseason game against Carolina is questionable. He should be ready to go once the season begins.