He’s playing well. I’m not sure if playing Center is best for him though. It’s a lot more responsibility than playing wing. Also, he is much more of a scorer than a playmaker. I prefer him at wing…
C Jiri Kulich - Rochester Americans, AHL (2022, 28th, BUF)
- Thread starter Pavel Buchnevich
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tsujimoto74
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His best games in the NHL have been these last few at center. I get the skepticism--I've felt it, too--but I don't see any reason to move him away from a position he's played well at. It's not like centers can't be goalscorers. Case in point, the #1 forward on this team right now: Tage Thompson.
As someone who has been skeptical of Kulich at center in the AHL, I have been pleasantly surprised by his results and actions doing it on this recall. His defensive effort, using his speed to track his man and disrupt plays in short areas has been top notch IMO. And he's taken his summer training work to heart, to get to the net and get ugly chances.
I'm happy he's succeeding. Again, I would not take him out of the lineup as they get their injured regulars back (at least for now).
I'm happy he's succeeding. Again, I would not take him out of the lineup as they get their injured regulars back (at least for now).
Czechboy
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I think he's a Rod Brindamour type and really loves the gym.
MOGlLNY
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Posters told us we were wrong for saying Kulich wasn't ready at the start of the season. Now they're telling us he's a bust even though we're saying he's looked good and probably isn't going back down. 2 seasons in the AHL is being overcooked now.
Holy moly I hope those posts are satire.
Holy moly I hope those posts are satire.
GettingYourMoms
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nooo he is bust send him to AHL pls, Sabres are ruining our young players!
Czechboy
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Czech people are very pragmatic and never happy.lol
Voodoozz
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I like the new reverse-jinx agenda.nooo he is bust send him to AHL pls, Sabres are ruining our young players!
Keep it up.
Dubi Doo
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My skepticism dampened quite a bit when I read how hard of a worker he is. He's really impressed me this year. It's wild watching these kids grow from the AHL to the NHL. He's improved so much away from the puck. Kid's going to be a good one.
If he keeps playing like he does, the points will come, but remember- he is in his rookie year, so don't expect much production at this point.
Dubi Doo
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Have to think we'd hear by now if it was something more serious. Perhaps I'm just coping, though!
This is what I did not expect at such a young age. He's looked so damn good in this regard whether on wing or at C. His potential is sky high, and I know things can change quickly, but I'm glad we kept Kulich over Savoie. Savoie can be a beast in his own right, but Kulich has so many enticing assets + a crazy work ethic to go with it. Really, really hoping him and Thompson become a killer 1-2 duo at C in a couple of years.
Per Ruff's press huddle yesterday, it was a cramping issue not, thankfully, a muscle pull.
Czechboy
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Thank god. Seems very 'Czech' to get momentum and get hurt and lose all momentum.
Czechboy
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Another NHL game and another chance! Happy. LIke the teamates, like that he's at C (didn't see that every happening) and, to be honest, Buffalo is playing real well right now.
Last 10 is 7-3-0 and in a playoff spot.
Now just get some damn points Jiri!
Well that's an interesting wrinkle I wasn't expecting. Good on Ruff for trying it. We'll see if it stays together, but I'm excited for him to continue to get a chance.
Czechboy
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Off topic, but how did McLeod land on line 4? He's an excellent 3rd liner. I miss him a lot in Edmonton to be honest.
tsujimoto74
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He was in the top 6 a game ago. It’s just like shuffling. I wouldn’t read anything into it.
Czechboy
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But aren't you guys winning? Usually the line blender comes out after multiple losses. At least in Edmonton.lol I totally get your point though.
GOALOFSSON
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So where are we now? 14 games and 2+0? I am sorry but that's just not good enough.
Don't get me wrong, I as a Czech love Kulich and want so much for him to be a NHL regular and top6 guy, that's why I am constantly bashing this.
Just for comparison look at top rookie scorers this year. If we put aside obvious beasts Celebrini and Michkov, Kulich just should be much closer to those other guys. At least at some 0,4 points margin.
He is no no name who somehow is playing NHL right now, we are talking about guy who dominated AHL and world juniors last two years. Adding the facts that Buffalo is just scoring a lot of goals and he is getting average 13+ mins per game. His points production is just abysmal so far, I am sorry you can praise or defend it all you want, but this is just pure fact
Don't get me wrong, I as a Czech love Kulich and want so much for him to be a NHL regular and top6 guy, that's why I am constantly bashing this.
Just for comparison look at top rookie scorers this year. If we put aside obvious beasts Celebrini and Michkov, Kulich just should be much closer to those other guys. At least at some 0,4 points margin.
He is no no name who somehow is playing NHL right now, we are talking about guy who dominated AHL and world juniors last two years. Adding the facts that Buffalo is just scoring a lot of goals and he is getting average 13+ mins per game. His points production is just abysmal so far, I am sorry you can praise or defend it all you want, but this is just pure fact
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GettingYourMoms
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While I would love it if he starts popping off, I would caution that this bolded statement about them scoring "a lot of goals" is not what is happening for the team. They have scored only 13 goals in the 6 games since his most recent recall and he has one of them, the OT winner in LA. That's 4th worst goals per game in the NHL in that span of time. It's not like they are running up a lot as their middle 6 has been either slumping (Quinn, 1 goal and that an ENG for the year) or returning to their norms (McLeod after a hot start) or just struggling (Cozens) or flat out of the lineup (Thompson).
He's getting chances around the net. He isn't on PP1 (which is a different conversation, it would warrant a shot no pun intended for him to be up on that unit). His forehand linemate is struggling to finish (Quinn) but has had a handful of good games with Kulich as his center compared to the rest of his campaign.
I would love it if everything started to work for him and the points started to fall for him like they are for other league leaders. That would be great. Just don't fold in some league worst scoring during this recall with him necessarily being the reason for it. It goes way beyond him.
We are united in wanting to see him get all over the scoresheet
Czechboy
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Absolutely... I'm happy he's playing C and getting ice time. I think the points will come. I don't like the low point total but 2 goals is nice and It hink more will come eventually.
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