Buffalo Sabres: Top 3 Amerks prospects in second round of playoffs
By Sion Fawkes
As the Rochester Americans enter a pivotal Game 5 against the Syracuse Crunch this coming Saturday, the Buffalo Sabres should like what they see.
The Rochester Americans kept their playoff hopes alive once more, shutting out the Syracuse Crunch 4-0 in a do-or-die matchup. Having gone down in a two games to zero hole early, the Amerks looked finished, but ever since Jiri Kulich made his big return, it breathed new life into the Red, White, and Blue, setting the stage for an elimination game.
So how effective has Kulich been, and which other Sabres prospects have played lights out so far in the postseason? Before we dive further, shoutouts are definitely warranted for Michael Mersch and Mason Jobst, both of whom have been dynamic, but are strictly under contract with the Americans.
However, the following three prospects could see themselves getting an extended look to play in Buffalo next season. Let’s meet them.
Buffalo Sabres prospects who’ve been crushing it in the Calder Cup Playoffs
1 – Jiri Kulich
No one has impressed more than Kulich, who’s looked quite a bit like Victor Olofsson when the Amerks go on the power play. The difference? Kulich’s defense has immense potential to outshine Olofsson’s, and that can land the rook a chance to shine in Buffalo next season.
Besides his two power play goals, Kulich also has an assist, and he’s given himself and teammates plenty of good looks. If Kulich keeps creating the way he has, the Amerks have a fine chance to advance to the next round.
2 – Linus Weissbach
While I don’t see Linus Weissbach playing a single shift with the Buffalo Sabres next season, he will be a top man in Rochester. Weissbach has four points so far in four games, with a goal and three assists.
His goal in Game 1 came off of an epic pass from Tyson Kozak in one of the most incredible assists you’ll see this year. Weissbach was also consistent during the regular season, and it’s continued well into the playoffs.
3 – Lukas Rousek
Lukas Rousek has no goals this postseason, but don’t let that fool you into thinking he hasn’t been effective. I’ve noticed him grinding it out on the forecheck often, and his three assists show us he’s been getting the puck to teammates and handing them scoring chances.
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We saw Rousek play in two games with the Sabres this season, and it’s safe to say his stock pointed north following an epic debut. He also returned for the Blue and Gold’s season finale at Columbus and showed hustle.
Source: Mike Harrington: Sabres prospects come through as Amerks force decisive Game 5 against Syracuse by Mike Harrington, BuffaloNews.com
(Statistics provided by Amerks.com)