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Buffalo Sabres: A deeper dive into Tage Thompson’s season – 2021-22

By Zach Jezioro |
Mar 2, 2022; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Buffalo Sabres right wing Tage Thompson (72) celebrates after scoring a goal with right wing Alex Tuch (89) during the second period against the Toronto Maple Leafs at Scotiabank Arena. Mandatory Credit: Nick Turchiaro-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 2, 2022; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Buffalo Sabres right wing Tage Thompson (72) celebrates after scoring a goal with right wing Alex Tuch (89) during the second period against the Toronto Maple Leafs at Scotiabank Arena. Mandatory Credit: Nick Turchiaro-USA TODAY Sports

Tage Thompson had a breakout season with the Buffalo Sabres last year. Here is a deeper dive into his 2021-22 season and a prediction if he builds on it.

Let’s go back to the Summer of 2018. Tage Thompson was the only piece in the Ryan O’Reilly trade that was promising. However, he struggled during his first couple of years with the Buffalo Sabres. Let’s take a look at his stats before this season.

According to Hockey-Reference, Thompson had 7 goals and 5 assists in 65 games played during the 2018-2019 season. Fast forward to a shortened season in 2020-2021, in 38 games played he registered 8 goals and 6 assists. Once Don Granato took over, Thompson became one of Buffalo’s best player at the end of that season.

A closer look at Buffalo Sabres center Tage Thompson’s 2021-22 season

So, a lot of Sabres fans were wondering how he was going to do this previous season. I would like to say, personally, I had Thompson having a breakout season with Buffalo in 2021-22. Maybe something like 20-25 goals. What he did this season was a complete surprise to everyone.

In 78 games played, the man they call TNT scored 38 goals and registered 30 assists with Buffalo. He had multiple, multiple goal games. Including a hat trick against the Colorado Avalanche. A big reason why Thompson had such a good season, his line mates. Him, Alex Tuch and Jeff Skinner had great chemistry together and were Buffalo’s number one line for the season.

With that being said, I think not only Sabres fans but hockey fans in general are wondering the same thing: Was last season a fluke or is this the player who can reach 40 goals and be a great goal scorer in this league?

Judging by watching him last year. His shot, his puck handling and his skating. What we saw last season was not a fluke and I believe Thompson is just getting started. Especially with him playing with players who are going to be part of this franchise going forward. This is just the beginning in what will be a great player.

Related Story. A deeper dive into Jeff Skinner’s season – 2022. light

Thompson is already one of the cornerstones for Buffalo and fans should be really excited about not only the team, but players like Tage. If last year was just a preview of what we are seeing, then there will be tons and tons of jerseys with the number 72 on the back of them.

(Statistics provided by Hockey-Reference)

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