The Buffalo Sabres are on the longest playoff drought in the NHL.
There are so many things that can contribute to such a stretch, but one thing that doesn't help is missing on first-round picks.
Jiri Kulich certainly feels like a miss right about now.
Kulich is a center, still just 21 years old, who went 28th overall in 2022.
This season, Kulich has played three games, not notched a point and been a minus-4.
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Last season, Kulich had 15 goals and nine assists (24 points) in 62 games, his first real foray into the NHL after just one game the season prior.
Sabres coach Lindy Ruff isn't happy with Kulich's play so far.
"It hasn't been good enough," Ruff told reporters, via The Buffalo News. "... He needs to be a better player for us."
The Sabres play Wednesday night at home against the Ottawa Senators.
Kulich is a candidate to be scratched, although Ruff wouldn't specifically say whether that would happen.
Buffalo is off to a harsh start to the season. The Sabres have played three games, scored two goals and surrendered 10. That adds up to three losses and the worst goal differential on this young NHL season.
Kulich certainly hasn't helped, and Buffalo will need him to figure things out or potentially get out of the way so others can take a crack at it.
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