Sabres’ Jiri Kulich celebrates return from blood clot issues by scoring game-winner against Chicago

BUFFALO, N.Y. (AP) — Sabres forward Jiri Kulich, sidelined by a blood clot issue for nearly a year, celebrated his return to the ice by scoring the game-winning goal against Chicago. Kulich’s goal, which came with 6:40 remaining, marked his first in the NHL regular season since October 2022 when he was sidelined due to the clot.

The 22-year-old Czech forward, who was drafted in the first round in 2022, had recently undergone surgery to remove the clot at the Mayo Clinic in Minnesota. Kulich’s celebration was a jubilant one, with him punching the air, pounding the glass, and letting out a big roar before being embraced by his teammates. His teammate Rasmus Dahlin praised Kulich’s determination, while Kulich himself expressed his gratitude for the trust placed in him by the Sabres organization, who kept him on the team’s roster throughout his recovery.

Kulich’s goal came after a long shift, following a turnover by Chicago that set up Owen Power and Tage Thompson to feed Kulich in the lower left circle.