In a thrilling return to NHL action, U.S. Olympian Tage Thompson showcased his scoring prowess once again, netting his 31st goal of the season and adding an assist to propel the Buffalo Sabres to a 2-1 victory over the New Jersey Devils on Wednesday night.
Fresh off a stellar performance in Milan, where he tallied three goals and an assist for the gold-medal-winning U.S. team, Thompson continued to ride the wave of momentum. His contribution was crucial as the Sabres, now boasting a 33-19-6 record, aim to break a 14-season playoff drought. Currently holding the top wild-card spot in the Eastern Conference, Buffalo is making a compelling case for a postseason run.
The game saw Thompson finding the back of the net in the second period, setting the stage for Peyton Krebs to extend the lead to 2-0 midway through the third. Krebs, who also recorded a goal and an assist, played a pivotal role alongside goaltender Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen, who turned away 27 shots to secure the win.
New Jersey's Timo Meier managed to cut the deficit with just 2:30 left on the clock, assisted by none other than U.S. Olympic hero Jack Hughes. Despite Jake Allen's 28 saves for the Devils, New Jersey fell to a 28-28-2 record.
The night was particularly special for Hughes, who was celebrated before the game for his dramatic overtime goal that clinched the gold for the U.S. against Canada. The Prudential Center buzzed with excitement as fans honored Hughes, who shared a victory lap with Thompson in a heartfelt Olympic celebration.
Hughes' impact goes beyond the ice, with local businesses like Hobby's Delicatessen adding "Jack's Golden Goal Sandwich" to their menu, a nod to his remarkable Olympic performance.
Looking ahead, the Sabres are set to face off against Florida on Friday night, as they continue their push towards the playoffs.