Playoff hockey may be returning to Buffalo this spring
The brimming potential of the Buffalo Sabres is finally being realized, but until recently, there has been a tendency to attach qualifiers to this year’s team. They’re excitingshould
have been named an All-Star, if the NHL actually knew what it was doing with its annual showcase. Tage ThompsonThrow all the qualifiers away. Buffalo is rocking with a 6-2-2 record in its last ten games and is on the verge of the playoffs, hovering just outside a wild card spot prior to Friday’s action. There are few teams that have been more fun — we’ll place thein a class alone — and after converting on a multitude of high first-round picks, the Sabres have arrived ahead of schedule.
To be clear, Buffalo’s bid is contingent upon Tage Thompson’s health. Thompson left Wednesday’s game against theThis content is not available due to your privacy preferences.If you want to qualify this season as Thompson’s breakout year, have at it. Last year, Thompson posted 68 points, but he catapulted into the NHL’s elite during the 2022-23 campaign, posting 34 goals and 68 points in 50 games.
Using his 6-foot-6 frame to his full advantage, Thompson has developed into a spectacular playmaker. He can fend off defenders with ease, and is willing to weave in and out of traffic with his nearly unmatched reach. If Thompson gets a head of steam, look out.