Kulich Caps Off Long Road Back With Game-Winner In Sabres Home Opener

The 22-year-old Czech was filling in for the injured Josh Norris after he suffered an injury on opening night, but that opportunity lasted until November, when his season ended due to blood clot issues.

"I'm so happy for him. He was so frustrated late last year and watching us in the playoffs, and not being able to be part of it, and he was getting his career underway in the last 20 games of the year before." Sabres head coach Lindy Ruff said "(It was) a huge setback. He spent a lot of time this summer trying to get his body and just his hockey back in the right place..... I think he embraces the fact that he's playing right now. That i t could have gone any direction."

Kulich has been used in a limited role during training camp, but the Sabres are depending on him and a number of their young players to take a step this season with Alex Tuch and Bowen Byram elsewhere, and Jason Zucker out injured. The Sabres, through two games, have received some contributions from rookie Konsta Helenius (1 goal) and Noah Ostlund (2 assists) against Columbus, but most of the scoring has come from members of the veteran core group.