Buffalo Sabres: How epic was Tage Thompson’s game-winning goal?

The Buffalo Sabres skated into the Windy City and within 22 minutes, this game was over…

Or seemingly over. So many times this season, the Buffalo Sabres found themselves on the receiving end of epic blowout losses. And following the first period against the Chicago Blackhawks on Monday night, things took a turn for the worst, with the Sabres trailing 3-0.

Shortly into the second period, the Sabres allowed another goal. And the loyal fanbase sighed and said, “Here we go again….” 

Then, the underrated Victor Olofsson scored twice, thanks to assists from Dylan Cozens, Henri Jokiharju, and Jeff Skinner. At the 14:32 mark in the second, Kyle Okposo scored and suddenly the Sabres were embarking on the biggest comeback in Buffalo sports since The Comeback in 1993.

Vinnie Hinostroza, another Sabre who has recently made his presence known, knotted the game at four. Unfortunately, the Blackhawks went ahead on a power play goal at the 10:56 mark in the third before Alex Tuch answered seven minutes later.

How epic was Buffalo Sabres center Tage Thompson’s game-winner?

Hey, the Sabres had seen the overtime period in the previous five games, so what was one more? At least they looked as though they were heading into overtime, despite a late power play before center Tage Thompson drilled a game-winner with a little too much force.

How epic was Thompson’s game-winner? It’s clear Tommers wanted the win so badly he shattered his stick on was arguably the most wayward game-winning shot this season.

Thompson’s shot didn’t even come close, ricocheting off the boards before Blackhawks goaltender Kevin Lankinen’s skate contacted the puck and knocked it into the net. Talk about an epic game-winner that Thompson received credit for with assists from Rasmus Dahlin and Alex Tuch.

Take a look at the goal for yourself:

Odds are, we won’t see see something like that for a long time. It’s the NHL’s equivalent of a Hail Mary in American football. And of all the playoff teams the Sabres have upset in March, it’s ironic that their most epic win of the month came against a rebuilding team like the Blackhawks in a most improbable fashion.

The Sabres will complete their slate of games in March in a tilt with the Winnipeg Jets at the KeyBank Center on Wednesday. Let’s see if they can win their ninth game of the month.