Thompson - Buffalo Hockey Beat

After defeating Predators, Sabres have first-place showdown versus Lightning: ‘Going to have incredible energy’

BUFFALO – Since the Sabres last appeared in the playoffs, they have played 1,138 regular-season games, none as big as tonight’s contest against the Tampa Bay Lightning.

If the Sabres defeat the Lightning at KeyBank Center, they will own sole possession of first place in the Atlantic Division at the latest point in a season since April 10, 2010.

Right now, the teams, having each earned 82 points, are tied for the top spot.

Over ... Read the full article

On Tage Thompson’s night, Sabres ride early emotion, continue torrid run by beating Vegas

BUFFALO – For the first 26 minutes of Tuesday’s tight 3-2 victory, the Sabres rode the energy created by an emotional pregame ceremony honoring Sabres center Tage Thompson and other members of Team USA’s gold medal-winning squad.

Winger Jason Zucker scored barely four minutes into the contest, igniting the capacity crowd of 19,070 fans in noisy KeyBank Center.

When Thompson’s wicked wrist shot from the right circle extended their lead to 3-0 5:44 into the ... Read the full article

Sabres’ Tage Thompson enjoyed time alongside Jack Eichel at Olympics: ‘Going full circle’

BUFFALO – During their brief time together here, Sabres center Tage Thompson said he looked up to Jack Eichel.

Thompson, 28, is just a year younger than Eichel, who’s now starring for the Vegas Golden Knights. Still, in 2018-19, their only full season as teammates, Eichel was a budding superstar and the face of the franchise. Thompson, meanwhile, was a neophyte simply trying to stick in the NHL.

As a developing power forward, Thompson said ... Read the full article

Noah Ostlund’s response after slash on Rasmus Dahlin displays Sabres’ growth: ‘We’re a pack’

BUFFALO – When Sabres rookie Noah Ostlund saw his captain, Rasmus Dahlin, down on the ice and the referee’s arm up, instinct took over.

“I thought it was something ugly,” Ostlund said of Brayden Point’s slash on Dahlin early in the second period of Saturday’s 6-2 road win over the Tampa Bay Lightning.

So the 5-foot-11, 180-pound Ostlund, who did not see the slash, immediately went after Point, hoping to cross-check him.... Read the full article

After stunning turnaround, Sabres join NHL’s elite: ‘Do something real special’

BUFFALO – Over the past three months, as the Sabres have morphed into a heavyweight that appears capable of wreaking havoc in the postseason, coach Lindy Ruff has contemplated his team’s unique transformation.

The Sabres haven’t infused talent through a trade, big or small, or altered the roster in any significant fashion.

Every player who will face the Vegas Golden Knights tonight at KeyBank Center had a roster spot opening night or began the season ... Read the full article

Sabres captain Rasmus Dahlin excited for long-awaited run to playoffs; Tage Thompson set to play

BUFFALO – As captain Rasmus Dahlin, still in full practice gear and sweaty from a long session, stood behind a podium fielding questions, the topic turned to the Sabres’ upcoming stretch of 25 games in 50 days to close the regular season.

For the first time in Dahlin’s career – he and center Tage Thompson, having both arrived in 2018-19, are the team’s longest-tenured players – the Sabres are in the driver’s seat for ... Read the full article

Following move to center with Amerks, prospect Anton Wahlberg receives first recall to Sabres

ROCHESTER – After Konsta Helenius’ first NHL recall last month left the Americans thin at center, coach Mike Leone shifted Buffalo Sabres prospect Anton Wahlberg up to pivot the Americans’ top line.

Normally, a neophyte about 100 games into his AHL career wouldn’t have been thrust into such a high-profile role.

“It’s extremely difficult to do what he’s doing right now as a young player,” Leone said last month of the 20-year-old.... Read the full article

Sabres recall prospect from Rochester

The Buffalo Sabres this morning recalled center prospect Anton Wahlberg, a second-round pick in 2023, from the Rochester Americans.

The youngster has never played an NHL game. His arrival could mean Sabres center Tage Thompson, who just won a gold medal with Team USA at the Olympics, will miss Wednesday’s road game against the New Jersey Devils.

Wahlberg, 20, has quietly enjoyed a strong season with the Amerks, compiling six goals, 25 points and ... Read the full article

When will Tage Thompson return to the Sabres following the Olympics?

BUFFALO – In last Wednesday’s quarterfinal game between Team Sweden and Team USA at the Olympics, Sabres captain Rasmus Dahlin said center Tage Thompson, his close friend and NHL teammate, had an opportunity to thump him.

“He decided not to hit me one time in the corner … so that was nice,” Dahlin said following Monday’s practice in LECOM Harborcenter, his first session after returning from the Milano Cortina Games. “I think he had a ... Read the full article

Sabres star Tage Thompson, Team USA win gold medal in dramatic fashion

BUFFALO – When practice was set to begin at 10:30 Sunday morning, only two Sabres players, goalies Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen and Alex Lyon, had hit the ice alongside the coaching staff in LECOM Harborcenter.

The rest of the team was watching the dramatic conclusion of the gold medal clash between and Team USA and Team Canada at the Milano Cortina Games.

As overtime began, everyone on the ice skated to one end to watch a television ... Read the full article