Kulich's Emotional Comeback Goal
Sabres Forward Jiri Kulich Scores Game-Winning Goal After Overcoming Blood Clot
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Buffalo Sabres forward Jiri Kulich scored the game-winning goal in a 4-3 home victory over the Chicago Blackhawks on October 3, marking his first NHL goal in 343 days. Buffalo Hockey Beat reports that Kulich's return came after he missed 91 games total—including the entire Stanley Cup Playoffs—due to a blood clot that required surgery. The 21-year-old was cleared as clot-free in September and made an immediate impact, tapping in a goal with 6:40 left in the third period during a four-on-four situation.
Kulich initially misfired on the break before scoring moments later. TSN reports he said afterward: "I was pretty pissed after the first one. What a pass by OP [Owen Power]. I just had an easy job. That was probably the main thing I was dreaming about the whole year not playing. A lot of emotions." The goal helped Buffalo avoid an 0-2-0 start to the season.
Blood Clot Sidelined Kulich for Nearly a Year
Kulich's ordeal began in November 2025 when he experienced severe dizziness during a game against Washington. WTOP News reports that a CT scan diagnosed an unexpected blood clot, likely stemming from head trauma suffered earlier in the year. The condition forced him to miss the final 70 regular-season games and all 91 playoff games. He underwent surgery to remove the clot and spent months in rehabilitation before being cleared in September 2026.
Kulich described the experience during his time away: "The last game against Washington, I didn't even know I was on the ice. I actually felt like a ghost. I'm like, 'Oh yeah, there's definitely something going on with me.'" His medical uncertainty at age 21 raised serious questions about his future in professional hockey.
Coach Ruff's Relief After Kulich's Long Struggle
Sabres head coach Lindy Ruff praised Kulich's emotional resilience following the comeback goal. Buffalo Hockey Beat quoted Ruff saying: "I'm so happy for him. I mean, he was so frustrated late last year and watching us in the playoffs and not being able to play." The coach watched Kulich suffer through an agonizing absence that included missing the team's push toward a playoff berth and the postseason itself.
Sabres Avoid Early Season Slump With Victory
The 4-3 win marked Buffalo's only victory in their opening two games, moving them to 1-1-0 before hosting Minnesota. AP News reports that the Sabres dominated possession, outshooting Chicago 28-15 with 64 total shot attempts compared to Chicago's 38. The crowd of 19,070 at KeyBank Center gave Kulich a massive ovation after the goal, celebrating his improbable return to form.
Chicago's loss dropped them to 0-3-0, continuing a rough start to their season. Second City Hockey notes that the Blackhawks squandered two leads—including a 2-0 advantage early on—to remain winless through their opening road trip. Buffalo has now won seven straight games against Chicago and sits 10-0-1 in their last 11 meetings against the franchise.
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