Jiri Kulich scored his first goal in nearly a year with 6:40 remaining Saturday night, breaking a tie and lifting the Buffalo Sabres to a 4-3 victory over the Chicago Blackhawks in their home opener at KeyBank Center.
The goal capped an important return for Kulich, who missed nearly the entire 2025-26 season after being diagnosed with a blood clot. He underwent surgery to remove it in March and entered training camp healthy, looking to get his career back on track.
Kulich last found the net on October 24, 2025, but came close to ending the drought during Buffalo’s season opener against the Columbus Blue Jackets and again earlier Saturday. This time, he finished the opportunity, taking a pass from Owen Power and beating Chicago goaltender Spencer Knight for the game-winning goal.
The Sabres had to rally after falling behind 2-0 early. Jack Quinn and Tage Thompson scored to bring Buffalo even before Oliver Moore put Chicago back in front.
Rasmus Dahlin then delivered the equalizer with 13:50 remaining in the third period, scoring his first goal of the season to make it 3-3.
Buffalo controlled much of the game offensively, outshooting Chicago 28-15 while holding a 64-38 advantage in shot attempts.
Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen stopped 12-of-15 shots in his second start of the season.
The Sabres will continue their homestand Tuesday when they host the Minnesota Wild at 7 p.m.
Kyle leads sports coverage and hosts the Concrete Jungle podcast. Have a lead or question? Send it to kyle@fingerlakes1.com.