Sabres’ Jiri Kulich Out Indefinitely; Team Faces Injury Crisis

BREAKING: Buffalo Sabres forward Jiri Kulich will miss a significant amount of time due to a blood clot, confirmed by head coach Lindy Ruff on Monday. Ruff described the situation as “pretty serious,” adding to the Sabres’ growing list of injuries and absences that is impacting the team’s performance this season.

This latest setback comes as the Sabres struggle in the highly competitive Eastern Conference. The team currently sits at the bottom of the Atlantic Division with a record of 5-6-4, despite securing points in nine of their last 12 games. The urgency to recover quickly is palpable, as the Sabres embark on a crucial road trip to Utah, Colorado, and Detroit this week.

Adding to the Sabres’ woes, forward Zach Benson has faced a turbulent season. After being hospitalized on October 8 due to a puck injury to his face, Benson returned briefly but is now on injured reserve with a lower-body injury. Ruff stated, “We’re going to discuss whether it’s better for him to come or stay back and keep undergoing treatment,” regarding Benson’s potential participation in the upcoming games.

Meanwhile, forward Jason Zucker has been sidelined since November 1 with a persistent “viral, flu-like” illness, and he will not accompany the team on their road trip. Ruff remarked, “He hasn’t been able to shake it,” indicating ongoing health challenges for the player.

In a deeply personal matter, team captain Rasmus Dahlin has taken a leave of absence to support his fiancée, Carolina Matovac, who is recovering from heart failure that required a transplant. Dahlin is currently in Sweden and there is no clear timeline for his return.

The Sabres are also missing top-line center Josh Norris, who has been out since October 9 due to an upper-body injury. Free agent acquisition Justin Danforth is also on the injury list following a lower-body injury sustained on October 15.

In light of these injuries, the Sabres have turned to call-ups from the Rochester Americans to fill the gaps. Skilled forwards Isak Rosén and Noah Östlund have been plugged into scoring roles with varying success, while Josh Dunne has contributed a goal in his nine games with the team.

As the Sabres face this injury crisis, fans are left wondering how the team will adapt and respond in the coming matches. The road trip this week will be pivotal for the Sabres, who desperately need to gain momentum and improve their standings. With the situation developing rapidly, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely for updates on player statuses and team performance.