Buffalo Sabres correct to finally recall Isak Rosen for road trip

Rochester's Isak Rosen (18) and Toronto's William Villeneuve race for a loose puck.
Rochester's Isak Rosen (18) and Toronto's William Villeneuve race for a loose puck.

The Buffalo Sabres rolled with 11 forwards again last night, but when Zemgus Girgensons got hurt, we knew a recall was coming.

The Buffalo Sabres won in a thriller in Friday night’s win over the Pittsburgh Penguins, but they did so without Jordan Greenway, who had an undisclosed ailment. Later in the contest, Zemgus Girgensons was injured and did not return, raising speculation that the Sabres would recall someone from Rochester.

Lately, a contingent of fans have been clamoring for general manager Kevyn Adams to recall either Jiri Kulich or Isak Rosen. Kulich is the team’s leading goal scorer, finding the net 11 times and notching 17 points in 16 games. Rosen is not far behind, having scored eight goals and 11 assists, giving him a whopping 19 points that lead the team.

And last night, Rosen was at it again, scoring the game-winner in overtime to help the Amerks defeat the Laval Rocket, and it was finally enough for general manager Kevyn Adams to give him the call-up. In case you didn’t see the play it’s a MUST WATCH below:

Buffalo Sabres made the right move in recalling Isak Rosen for road trip

Rosen and Kulich were making such strides in Rochester, that you knew they, sooner or later, had to get their chance. When Tage Thompson went down with an injury, we thought at least one of them would make their debut, but nope, neither ended up in the City of Good Neighbors.

Devon Levi has been the victim of a three-goaltender rotation, so logistically, one would think he would go to the Amerks to at least get a few more reps thanks to the fact he’s waivers-exempt in exchange for either Rosen and Kulich to join the big club, but that hasn’t happened. Okay, well what about a simple paper transaction? Apparently, the Buffalo Sabres didn’t even want to do that.

But the injuries to Greenway and Girgensons forced their hand, and now, we can finally say, “Good job, Mr. Adams. It took you long enough, but you got there nonetheless.” Now, there will be a lot of interest in how Rosen fares during his first games as an NHL player.

Update: Jiri Kulich has also received a recall, per Jourdon LaBarber of Sabres.com.

Source: Rosen scores in OT for Amerks then learns of callup to Sabres by Kevin Oklobzija, PickinSplinters.com