Tage Thompson is coming off his best game of the season with the Sabres as he recorded three goals and an assist, to go along with a plus-minus of plus-six. That is the second-highest total in franchise history as the best plus-minus in a game is seven, held by multiple players. Thompson is also one of the hottest players in the league currently, with ten points in his last seven games. However, this was not enough to impress the Team USA coaches and staff for the upcoming 4 Nations faceoff. Thompson on the season has 25 goals, 19 assists, and a plus-minus of plus-five, but was beaten out by players such as Chris Kreider, J.T. Miller, and Brock Nelson. Thompson has more points than all these players but still was not selected for the team which is disappointing to see. Thompson just a few years ago was almost a 50/50 player as he finished with 47 goals and 47 assists, but many people except for Sabres fans would be unaware of this feat. Once again, Thompson isn’t being rewarded for his skills on the ice.
Whatever the reason may be that Thompson wasn’t selected, does this now change the narrative for the Buffalo Sabres offense moving forward? There will be no All-Star game this year because of the tournament, and Buffalo didn’t have a single offense player selected for the 4 Nations tournament. Although the pickings are slim with just four countries, this would be an important accolade for Thompson who is an alternate captain on the team. The Sabres don’t have much going for them this year, and as we approach the Trade Deadline, they are last place in the Eastern Conference and 14 points out of a playoff spot. The Sabres also have the sixth-hardest-strength of schedule remaining to end the season.
However, looking at the energy and the leadership that Thompson brings to this team, I think the Sabres offense is going to turn things around and give Thompson the recognition that he deserves. The offense has been one of the few bright spots of the team this year and they are starting to put things together on a more consistent basis. Although there are slim chances the Sabres can make the playoffs, I think this is where the turning point occurs and Buffalo starts to pick up the pace of play. It all starts with Thompson who is going to carry the load for this team, and that might just be enough to spark a turnaround for the Sabres this season.