Sabres’ Tage Thompson Has Taken his Game to a New Level – The Hockey Writers – Buffalo Sabres

After making the playoffs for the first time since 2011, it would be easy for the Buffalo Sabres to take their foot off the pedal and claim the season a success. Everyone has jumped on the Sabres bandwagon, and the team has suddenly become “America’s hockey team.”

After an electric come-from-behind Game 1 victory, the Sabres showed that they are far from done. Whether they live up to expectations or not will likely depend on Tage Thompson, who has taken a massive step forward in his overall game and become the team’s most important forward.

Playing with an Edge

If the Sabres are going to beat the Bruins in the first round, Thompson is going to have to be a key contributor. We know he was that in Game 1, but he is doing so much more than simply having an impact on the stat sheet.

Thompson has had a noteworthy edge to his game in recent months. Since coming back from winning gold with Team USA at the Olympics, Thompson has had a physical aspect to his game that did not previously exist.

He was noticeably physical against the Bruins in Game 1, using his size more effectively. A guy that big and skilled playing with a nasty streak to his game will be a lot to handle, especially in a playoff atmosphere.

The Obvious Offensive Impact

While the Sabres have things to work on, it is clear that they have the offensive firepower to go a long way. Thompson led the charge that saw three goals scored in 3:34, picking up a pair of goals himself in the dirtiest area on the ice: the front of the net.

Thompson can wire one from anywhere on the ice but his being able to fight through traffic in front in order to take advantage of the chaos is what makes him most dangerous. Chances will be limited on the rush and Thompson can do damage from in close.

He finished the night with a pair of goals and assisted on Alex Tuch’s empty-netter, a pretty good impression for a first-ever playoff game. His seven shots were far and away the most, and Bruins goalie Jeremy Swayman will certainly see his fill of Thompson in this series.

Thompson Has a Different Presence

When talking about his game, the M.O. on Thompson has been the same: he’s big, skilled, and can punish teams from anywhere in the offensive zone. In addition to adding an edge to his game, there is just something about the way that he carries himself that has shifted.

Thompson wears the “A” on his sweater, but you can really feel his presence as a leader. You can see him step up when the team needs a little something extra in a way that may not have been there previously.

The Sabres have a distinct lack of quit in them that hasn’t been there in a long time. Thompson, Tuch, and several others lead the charge every time the Sabres need a boost, and that was most evident in Game 1.

A New Sabres

The Sabres aren’t the same Sabres we have grown accustomed to. A lot had to happen to get here, but Thompson’s transformation into a complete player is a major reason for it. With him leading the way, they will be extremely tough to go up against as the playoffs roll on.