Sabres prospects: Kulich and Rosen Show: Season 2 is off to a great start

Buffalo Sabres prospects Jiri Kulich and Isak Rosen were a dynamic duo in 2022-23, but they have collectively grown so far in 2023-24.

It should come as no surprise that Sabres prospects Jiri Kulich and Isak Rosen are pacing the Rochester Americans in points. Kulich has nine goals and four assists on the year, good for 13 points. And his defense has also been trending north, something I have noticed in the number of Rochester games I’ve caught this season.

Rosen is in the same boat points-wise, with five goals and seven assists, giving him 12 on the year. Also like Kulich, his overall game has also improved. But if there is one thing that was more than noticeable last night, it’s the way these two have built their chemistry to above and beyond the next level.

When you think of a textbook power play goal, look no further than what you just saw in Rosen’s feed to Kulich. Not only did Rosen manage to draw a Crunch player and all five eyes (goaltender included) his way, he also held onto the puck just long enough to create space for Kulich, who was beyond unaccounted for in the right circle.

Sabres prospects Jiri Kulich and Isak Rosen have been sensational

But the clip in the above section is just a speck of dust in Kulich’s and Rosen’s overall efficacy. If you’ve been keeping track of these two, check out what Amerks.com said about the dynamic duo:

“The duo has combined for 118 points (52+56) in 148 regular season games … Dating back to last season, Rochester boasts a 17-3-2-1 record when they each have at least one point and show a 7-1-0-0 mark when they both score in the same game”

Source: TOKARSKI BACKSTOPS AMERKS TO SHOOTOUT WIN IN SYRACUSE

So far, we’ve seen Brandon Biro and Lukas Rousek get their respective chances with the big club, and blueliner Ryan Johnson was a last-minute addition to the Buffalo Sabres last night. But you can only wonder when Kulich and/or Rosen will have their day, as they are absolutely dominating in the AHL ranks.

Sure, the Amerks had a couple of lean games this week, but wow, these two never fail to impress even when Rochester has its off days. Don’t be surprised if the Sabres give one or both of these two a well-deserved chance in Buffalo. But you also shouldn’t be surprised if Matt Savoie gets his chance first, given his dramatic improvement in the Flower City over the past two weeks.

(Statistics provided by theAHL.com)