The Buffalo Sabres saw some epic performances from Czechia prospect Jiri Kulich in the IIHF Worlds. But what about Isak Rosen and Noah Ostlund?
The Buffalo Sabres had three prospects in the 2023 IIHF World Juniors this year in Jiri Kulich, Isak Rosen, and Noah Ostlund. Rosen and Ostlund represented Sweden, and despite a remarkable run, they fell to the United States in the Bronze Medal Game.
So how well did the two former first round picks play? Let’s start with Rosen, the 14th overall pick in the 2021 NHL Draft. Rosen built on his 2022 performance a few months back, sinking just two goals, but compiling six total points. He had a game-winning goal, and scored a +7 rating. He also played a hand sending the Bronze Medal Game into overtime.
Tie game! Tie game! Filip Bystedt (#SJSharks) hops on the loose puck and snaps it home to knot this at 7-7 for 🇸🇪 Sweden 🇸🇪 with 22 seconds left, and we're headed to overtime.
— EP Rinkside (@EPRinkside) January 5, 2023
Isak Rosén (#LetsGoBuffalo) and Ludvig Jansson (#TimeToHunt) the assists on the play.
🎥: @TSN_Sports pic.twitter.com/YRbFqUXpcl
Buffalo Sabres Rosen, Ostlund had solid performances in the World Juniors
Ostlund wasn’t as hot as Rosen, but he scored a goal and logged three assists in seven games. In the Bronze Medal loss to the USA, he also received Player of the Game Honors for Team Sweden. Ostlund’s goal also gave Sweden a 6-5 lead early in the third period. If you didn’t see the goal yet, check it out below.
Ostlund 🚨 pic.twitter.com/EK4uCs9U6v
— The Charging Buffalo (@TheChargingBUF) January 5, 2023
Overall, it was a solid outing for Rosen and Ostlund. Now that the IIHF World Juniors are in the books, all eyes will turn to the duo’s continued development as they return to their respective clubs.
Tonight, Jiri Kulich will lead Czechia against a formidable Team Canada, and I will cover his tournament performance tomorrow. Kulich has been one of the tournament’s better players, and I may also mention a specific goaltender who has looked more than decent in the net for Czechia.
(Statistics provided by IIHF.com)
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