Some players have been able to start their offseason and enjoy some time off the ice since the Sabres final game in April. One player, though, has not had the luxury. Lindy Ruff told Jiri Kulich that he would be joining the AHL and the Rochester Americans for the Calder Cup playoffs.
He has since emerged for the Amerks as a leader during their playoff run. He recorded a goal and two assists in the Amerks opening series against Syracuse. Now this week, they will take on Laval Rocket.
He had only played four other games for the Amerks this season in early November. He has taken well to the situation and should continue to be a leader for the Amerks during their run.
“The focus was just playing my game,” Kulich has said during the run. “Compete really hard and just help the team win. I’m trying my best to do everything for this team.”
During his time with the Sabres this season, he played in 62 games. During his rookie campaign, he had 15 goals and nine assists. Three of his goals on the year were game winners.
Now as he continues to gain more experience with the Amerks it could be a huge step for his development and career.
Kulich scored a powerplay goal in Game 2 during their series against Syracuse.
Amerks head coach Michael Leone, spoke of Kulich's play during the postseason. “I think he really got going the second half of [Game 2] – I think he had 11 shot attempts. He’s buying into playing winning hockey. He was matched up against NHL veteran Conor Sheary’s line basically the whole entire series. He’s been really good.”
The experience that Kulich can use for next season, could generate a lot of confidence for the young center. The Sabres as a whole are a young organization with very little experience in playoff hockey. It may be only the AHL, but with Kulich experiencing the postseason, it could lead to him becoming a leader for Buffalo.
He has been playing on the top line during the postseason for the Amerks. He could be a part of several top lines for the Sabres next seasons and play off of Tage Thompson. If the Sabres can use both it could lead to a prosperous season for both Kulich and the Sabres.
Being a top line center and a top player for the Amerks could lead him to join several younger players and help the Sabres get over the hump next season.