Florida Panthers defenceman Dmitry Kulikov was assessed a match penalty for an illegal hit to the head on Tampa Bay Lightning forward Conor Sheary, negating a goal for his team and triggering a response from Michael Eyssimont.

Florida Panthers defenceman Dmitry Kulikov has been suspended for two games for an illegal check to the head on Tampa Bay Lightning forward Conor Sheary, the NHL’s Department of Player Safety announced Monday.

The incident occurred during the second period of Saturday’s 5-3 win for the Lightning.

Kulikov elbowed Sheary in the head in front of the Lightning’s crease just before Josh Mahura scored for the Panthers.

Players from both teams dropped the gloves and Lightning forward Michael Eyssimont received a roughing penalty.

The goal was waved off as Kulikov was assessed a match penalty.

The Panthers next play Thursday against the Nashville Predators.