Tage Thompson’s improvement has the Sabres dreaming of the playoffs

One thing wonderful is occurring on the ice in Buffalo.

The 2-year explosion from Buffalo Sabres ahead Tage Thompson

Thompson notched a hat trick on Tuesday night time in a 4-3 additional time win towards the Washington Capitals. It was his third hat trick of the season, and his first recreation with three or extra objectives since his five-goal outburst towards the Columbus Blue Jackets again on December seventh.

Thompson’s three objectives moved him to 30 on the younger season, nearly matching the 38 objectives he netted a 12 months in the past, his earlier profession excessive. Over the previous two seasons, Thompson’s manufacturing has rewarded a Sabres group that acquired him in a commerce again in 2018. That transfer despatched Ryan O’Reilly to the St. Louis Blues in alternate for 3 gamers and two draft picks.

In line with Blues normal supervisor Doug Armstrong, the Sabres have been adamant that Thompson was a part of the deal. Whereas Thompson was a first-round choose by St. Louis within the 2016 NHL Draft, he had but to supply at a degree that will command that type of religion. Thompson scored 3 objectives and notched 6 assists in 41 video games with the Blues throughout his first NHL season.

Not precisely enormous numbers.

Within the quick time period, it appeared just like the Blues obtained the higher finish of the deal. O’Reilly — who had fallen out of favor in Buffalo — helped the Blues to a Stanley Cup in 2019 and he gained the Conn Smythe Trophy because the playoff MVP.

Thompson, in the meantime, scored 7 objectives in 65 video games throughout the 2018-2019 season, and missed nearly your complete 2019-2020 marketing campaign after a shoulder harm.

However previous to the 2021 season, the Sabres noticed each Jack Eichel and Sam Reinhart go away city, which prompted a transfer to middle for Thompson.

Cue the breakout 2021 marketing campaign, as Thompson scored 38 objectives, including 30 assists, over his 78 video games for Buffalo a 12 months in the past.

His reward? A seven-year, $50 million contract extension from the Sabres after that one 12 months of manufacturing. But extra religion from a company that has seemingly believed in him for years. Thompson himself referred to as the contract a “enormous leap of religion” from the crew. That extension doesn’t even kick in till subsequent 12 months, making Thompson one of many league’s finest bargains this season. His 30 objectives have him second within the NHL, behind Edmonton’s Connor McDavid, and he’s tied for third in factors this season with 55.

Thompson additionally ranks second in objectives created, and second in objectives created per recreation.

Watching Thompson, the very first thing that stands out is his dimension. Thompson is 6’6”, and that size and wingspan reveals up each night time. However the extra you watch him, the extra you come to understand his palms, and his really feel for the sport.

All of these traits have been on show Tuesday night time towards the Capitals.

Take his second purpose from the win over Washington. Thompson trails the play, however takes benefit of a centering move, controlling the puck earlier than snapping off a shot that will get by Capitals goalie Darcy Kuemper:

It is a good instance of how spectacular Thompson’s palms are. For a participant of his dimension, Thompson is so comfy with the puck at his ft, and he makes use of his palms to create simply sufficient house to snap off this shot, placing it within the good spot.

These palms confirmed up on Thompson’s game-winner in additional time towards Washington. He takes benefit of arduous work and a centering move from Alex Tuch, however makes use of these fast palms to create simply sufficient house to get off a shot, once more beating Kuemper to ship the Washington followers house sad:

Past his bodily expertise are Thompson’s really feel for the sport. He opened his account on Tuesday night time by scoring on the ability play, firing a one-timer from the slot previous the Capitals goalie. However as you watch this purpose, discover how Thompson creates house previous to receiving the move, by staking away from the puck because it cycles from point-to-point:

By creating that house, Thompson provides himself a clear lane, however makes it more durable on Kuemper to get in place. That really feel for the sport will serve Thompson properly over his profession.

Thompson’s progress these previous two years has been phenomenal to look at, and it has Sabres followers dreaming of larger issues within the weeks and months forward. Buffalo has not made the playoffs for the reason that 2010-2011 season, however Tuesday’s additional time win over Washington has the Sabres simply six factors out of a playoff spot. Moreover, Buffalo has performed simply 36 video games this season, and the groups forward of them within the wild card standings have all performed extra. Washington has performed 40, adopted by the New York Islanders (39) and the Pittsburgh Penguins (37).

Tuesday’s win additionally had a deeper that means for the Sabres, and the Buffalo group. Buffalo took the ice with the well being of Buffalo Payments security Damar Hamlin on their minds. The Sabres arrived at Capital One Area carrying shirts honoring Hamlin:

And after Thompson’s efficiency, the Sabres’ social media crew acknowledged the symmetry in his efficiency:

Thompson’s breakout season a 12 months in the past, coupled along with his efficiency up to now this 12 months, is a good instance of a participant rewarding a crew’s religion in him.

It additionally may break an extended postseason drought, whereas placing the remainder of the NHL on discover for what to anticipate over the subsequent few years.