Harou rushed in two scores as the No. Listen to Justin Leppits

BUFFALO, N.Y. -- Dmitry Kulikov was initially excited upon learning the Florida Panthers had acquired and then signed free-agent defenseman Keith Yandle to a long-term contract last week.Little did Kulikov realize that Yandles addition would lead to him being the odd man out a few days later, when the Panthers traded the seventh-year defenseman to the Buffalo Sabres.I was comfortable with Florida, Kulikov said during a telephone conference call on Tuesday. I didnt think that something like that was going to go down. But it did. Its part of the business. And Im excited for the future.The 25-year-old took the move in stride because his role as a top-four defenseman isnt expected to diminish in Buffalo. By acquiring Kulikov in a trade made early in the second round of the NHL draft on Saturday, the Sabres addressed a critical need by adding a left-shooting defenseman.Though Buffalos defensive pairings wont be set until training camp, Kulikov is expected to open next season playing alongside either Rasmus Ristolainen or Zach Bogosian.Its a familiar role for Kulikov, who averaged more than 21 minutes of playing time per game over the past five seasons.Im happy to take on that responsibility, said Kulikov, who spent much of last year playing alongside Aaron Ekblad. I think change is sometimes for the best. Maybe, whatever happens, happens for a reason. So maybe Im meant to be in Buffalo.In exchange for Kulikov, the Panthers acquired defenseman Mark Pysyk, who struggled establishing a regular role during four seasons in Buffalo. The teams also swapped second-round draft picks in a move that helped the Panthers free up $3.25 million in salary cap space.The Russian-born player is in the final year of his contract, and eligible to become an unrestricted free agent next summer.Kulikov played more of a defensive role in his recent seasons in Florida, which selected him in the first-round of the 2009 draft. He had one goal and 16 assists in 74 games last season. Kulikovs career high for goals is eight, in 2013-14, and points is 28, in 2011-12.The Sabres believe Kulikov has more offensive potential, and were impressed with his goal and three assists in Floridas first-round playoff series loss to the New York Islanders in April.Kulikov believes he can up his offense, too.I havent been as productive as I wanted to be in the NHL and obviously, I want to grow in that part of the game, he said. Im just happy for a fresh start and happy for the opportunity in Buffalo.Kulikov isnt expected to be the only new offseason addition for the rebuilding Sabres, who intend to be active once the NHLs free-agency period opens on Friday. Buffalo is among a number of teams that have already expressed interest in center Steven Stamkos, should the Lightning captain not re-sign with Tampa Bay.Kulikov is intrigued by who Buffalo might add.The more better players were going to bring into the organization, the more successful were going to be, and the faster were going to be successful, Kulikov said. Kevin Durant Shoes For Sale . -- The Portland Timbers and Real Salt Lake played to a 0-0 tie Saturday night that left the top of the Western Conference standings unchanged. Wholesale Kevin Durant Shoes . Both players have lower body injuries that will keep them out of the lineup until at least January 31, which is the first game they can be activated from IR. https://www.kevindurantshoescheap.com/ . What general manager Dave Nonis called "short and productive" negotiations ended with Kessel signing a US$64-million, eight-year contract on Tuesday. Kevin Durant Shoes Free Shipping . Los Angeles star goalie survived those perilous gymnastics with no problem, and he eventually backstopped the Kings to a skid-snapping win. Quick stopped 27 shots in his return from a 24-game injury absence, Jeff Carter scored the tiebreaking goal with 7:55 to play, and the Kings snapped their five-game losing streak with a 3-1 victory over the Vancouver Canucks on Saturday night. Kevin Durant Shoes From China . -- Quarterback Will Finch threw for 252 yards and three touchdowns, and Yannick Harou rushed in two scores as the No. Listen to Justin Leppitsch and theres no doubt hell still be at the helm of Brisbane next year.The Lions coachs position appears increasingly untenable with every week that passes in a miserable 2016 campaign.Saturdays 94-point thrashing by Port Adelaide at the Gabba was the latest in a string of humiliating results for a club saddled with debt and a lack of resources.Throughout it all Leppitsch has stayed true to his belief the clubs faith in young prospects will pay dividends.He has also bemoaned an injury toll which has shorn him of three of his most experienced players in Dayne Beams, Tom Belll and Allen Christensen.ddddddddddddWhile many may not think it worth his time, Leppitsch is already looking ahead to an improved time for him and the Lions in 2017.I think weve got eight season-enders now, so we havent had any luck either along the journey, he said.Im kind of hoping and praying that the footy gods smile on me next year.The footy world would say weve got some great young talent on our list, its only early days for this boys. Weve got to have patience. ' ' '