It was the first game of the opening round of the 2026 NHL Playoffs. The Sabres were down 2-0 in the third period. Then Tage Thompson stepped up. The center scored two quick goals helping to lead a 4-3 comeback win against the Boston Bruins.
The Sabres won the series and had a remarkable season. It was in part due to Thompson's success in the series, and throughout the season. He had 81 points on the year and was his highest total since his breakout 2022-23 campaign.
The biggest story in the offseason was the loss of Alex Tuch. The other prolific goal scorer for the Sabres left to join the Washington Capitals, putting a lot of pressure on Thompson entering this fall.
Tage Thompson was one of just three Sabres players with more than 60 points last season
They have a few other players from last season who broke 50 points but the offense may be a concern entering the early parts of this year. They did sign left winger Conor Sheary, but he had only 18 points for the New York Rangers last year.
This puts a lot of pressure on Thompson to stay as the main goal scorer for the team. He has risen to the occasion in the past. He also has had slumps, though. He went seven games in the postseason without finding the goal.
He did have some assists and. if he can keep the pressure on offensively, it could generate more chances for the team's other wingers and centers on the offensive end.
It also helps that Thompson is signed for the long term.
Last year, Tuch was either due for a new contract with the Sabres or was on his way out to signing with another team. It was evident in the postseason that the pressure was on as Tuch faltered during the second-round series loss to the Montreal Canadiens.
Tage Thompson is signed with the Sabres through 2030
Buffalo will not looking to move on from him any time soon. This could take pressure off and allow him to play more free. He does need to find another player to play off of this season. He and Tuch worked well in moments but now he needs to move forward. They have some younger players to work with.
Thompson could be paired with Jiří Kulich, who is a younger center, and if Thompson is on the wing it could generate some chances. Either way the Sabres will need to find more offense this season if they want to repeat last year.
The Sabres fans may express concern if Thompson does not come out of the gate fast in the early parts of this season.
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