C Nikulin recalled by Coyotes
With Steven Reinprecht out of the picture for now, the Phoenix Coyotes filled the void at center Friday by recalling Alexander Nikulin from San Antonio of the American Hockey League.
Reinprecht separated his shoulder during his second shift of Thursdays 2-0 loss to the San Jose Sharks and is expected to miss four to eight weeks. In 48 games this season, the 32-year-old has recorded nine goals and 19 assists.
Its tough, Coyotes coach Wayne Gretzky said after Fridays team practice. Hes a consummate team player as far as his work ethic goes, and he has been great with our young kids. Defensively, he has been sound as far as faceoffs and killing penalties. Its going to be a big hole for us.
Rhino is one of those guys that gets so well along with everyone in our room and everyone likes him so much, Phoenix captain Shane Doan added. On top of that, he is such a great hockey player, and to not have him in this room is awful.
Nikulin, who has recorded five goals and nine assists in 37 games with San Antonio this season, will attempt to fill the hole. The 6-1, 203-pound Russian made his NHL debut with Ottawa last campaign, posting a minus-2 rating in two contests.
The 23-year-old Nikulin was acquired on November 3 from the Senators, who selected him in the fourth round of the 2004 draft.