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Buffalo Sabres prospect once again delivers a clutch performance

By Sion Fawkes

Sep 28, 2023; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Buffalo Sabres center Jiri Kulich (20) moves the puck against Pittsburgh Penguins defenseman Chad Ruhwedel (2) during the first period at PPG Paints Arena. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 28, 2023; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Buffalo Sabres center Jiri Kulich (20) moves the puck against Pittsburgh Penguins defenseman Chad Ruhwedel (2) during the first period at PPG Paints Arena. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Buffalo Sabres still need someone with a big-time scoring potential, and Jiri Kulich once again has shown why he may be that player.

The Buffalo Sabres lost yet another one in heartbreaking fashion last night when they allowed a goal late to bring about overtime, and they ultimately fell in the extra period. But the Sabres could have avoided that scenario entirely, perhaps if they had another scorer to put them up by another goal at some point, perhaps like the prolific scorer who came through yet again last night in Rochester.

Jiri Kulich played the role of hero for the Amerks, scoring the game-winning goal in the extra period, catapulting the Amerks to a 4-3 win over the Laval Rocket. It’s not the first time Kulich has shown up and won the game for Rochester in the clutch, and it’s about time for the Sabres to look closer at a prospect who thrives under pressure.

But this piece isn’t about endorsing Kulich to snag the recall – we have already covered it. Instead, let’s break down Kulich’s latest heroic effort.

Buffalo Sabres prospect once again comes through in the clutch

In this latest game-winner in overtime, Kulich took the puck down low on the right circle, looked as though he were about to shoot, then backtracked to create space. He then hit Isak Rosen near the blue line before the 20-year-old winger passed to his left.

Kulich found himself wide open when he slid down toward the faceoff dot in the right circle, took a cross-ice pass from Brandon Biro, and drilled it home to notch the overtime winner. It capped off yet another brilliant showing for Kulich, whose 11 goals (three power play goals) on 46 shooting attempts, good for a 23.9 shooting percentage still lead the team.

Related Story. Buffalo Sabres dream lineup includes keeping Benson, recalling Kulich. light

It’s been the latest big play in a long line of them for the 19-year-old, and you can expect more plays like what we had just seen the longer Kulich is in Rochester. But sooner or later, the Buffalo Sabres front office, you would think, will generate other plans for a player who has star potential in the NHL.

Source: KULICH, AMERKS TAKE DOWN ROCKET IN OVERTIME, Amerks.com

(Statistics provided by theAHL.com)

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