Buffalo Sabres prospects shine once again in Amerks win

SYRACUSE, NY - APRIL 22: Isak Rosen #18 of Rochester Americans moves the puck against the Syracuse Crunch during Game 2 of the north division semifinals of the Calder Cup Playoffs at Upstate Medical University Arena on April 22, 2023 in Syracuse, New York. (Photo by Isaiah Vazquez/Getty Images)
SYRACUSE, NY - APRIL 22: Isak Rosen #18 of Rochester Americans moves the puck against the Syracuse Crunch during Game 2 of the north division semifinals of the Calder Cup Playoffs at Upstate Medical University Arena on April 22, 2023 in Syracuse, New York. (Photo by Isaiah Vazquez/Getty Images)

The Rochester Americans took a W, their fourth straight, in the 2023 Calder Cup Playoffs. And two high-end prospects for the Buffalo Sabres looked good.

If there is one thing Buffalo Sabres general manager Kevyn Adams can do better than most, it’s drafting promising talent. No, neither he nor anyone can realistically come away with a perfect draft class, but when it comes to first round picks, few executives have a better eye for talent.

Once again, the Rochester Americans won, and once again, they can thank two of their brightest names in the prospects pool in Jiri Kulich and Isak Rosen. Let’s start with Kulich, who once again scored on a power play goal, and his fourth goal overall in the playoffs. Oh, and he was hanging around the circle, wide open, when he scored. Check out the video below:

I’m telling you right now: We don’t know what will occur with Victor Olofsson this offseason. But if the Sabres move him, Kulich is looking more and more like the front runner, even if I’m still hearing Savoie’s name at the moment.

Buffalo Sabres prospects Jiri Kulich, Isak Rosen continue to dominate in playoffs

Earlier today, I speculated on whether this duo would continue their goal-scoring ways in the North Division Final. And as it stands, they are one for one. Not only did Kulich come up big once again, so did Rosen. Here is a clip of his goal below:

Technically speaking, Rosen looked more like Olofsson on that goal. However, I do believe he will spend at least another year in Rochester, though a cameo next season may not be out of the question. For one, he still needs to grow into his body, and for another, the Sabres will likely have no room on their roster, barring something unforeseen, regarding Rosen.

Overall, it was another productive outing from a scoring standpoint for both players. Rosen also had a nifty move and displayed sensational puckhandling skills when he skated up ice during the third period, and I think it’s safe to say that trend will continue not just for the duration of the Calder Cup Playoffs, but into next season.