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Don't sleep on Tage Thompson's Buffalo Sabres |
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The Pittsburgh Penguins are in Buffalo tonight to take on the Sabres. I am going to state the obvious, but covering Tage Thompson seems like it would be a great idea. Thompson had one of the better periods in recent memory putting up four goals in a single period against Columbus. He finished with five after the Sabres only played him three minutes and change in the third period.
Tage Thompson has become one of the best attractions the NHL has. The way he is able to get that big frame moving fluidly and matching it with his newfound confident stickhandling has been a sight to behold. This has been one of the better stories in the league. Tage Thompson was tracking to be a forgotten prospect from the Ryan O’Reilly trade. Nothing spoke to being a top six player, let alone one of the favorites for the Rocket Richard Trophy. His rise has been tremendous. What was looking like sketchy contract extension is currently looking pretty good. He is shooting 17.4% this year, he also shot 15% in a full season last year. If you watch him wire the puck it is pretty obvious there is some high end shooting talent there.
Thompson is on an 82 game pace for 66 goals, 60 assists, and 126 points. For reference, Sidney Crosby's career high in points is 120 way back in 2006-07. Yes, I am aware Sidney Crosby lost his prime years to a cheap shot from David Steckel and would have a better career high than he does. No, I don't think Tage Thompson is better than Sidney Crosby. I'm just highlighting what an amazing season and career turnaround Thompson is having. It is impressive and deserves a shout out.
And why not a Sid shout out as well? He's no slouch even in 2022-23. He's on pace for 110 points at age 35, not too shabby.
As for the Sabres as a team they aren’t to be overlooked. They are playing some better hockey this season. I would also argue they are better than their record. They are currently 13th in the conference with a 12-13-1 record. On the surface it looks like the same old Sabres. What makes this version of the team a lot different is the fact they have a positive goal differential. They are +9 on the season. Furthermore, what makes that +9 impressive is the fact they have an .885 team save percentage, which is near the bottom of the league. They actually lead the entire NHL in goals scored with 105. Pittsburgh has a +14 goal differential with only 93 goals for reference. If Kevyn Adams provided this team with competent goaltending the Sabres would most definitely be sitting comfortably in a playoff spot.
This should make for a fun game considering how Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin have played this year. The goalies for both teams are going to have to be sharp or they’ll risk being embarrassed. Personally, I think it would make for an entertaining game so I’m all for it.
As for the morning skate it is looking like the Penguins have an optional one today. One skater who took the option, Kris Letang
He’ll be back in the lineup soon enough. I don’t think it will be this weekend. He spoke about getting his conditioning back yesterday. Two days of skating doesn’t seem like it would accomplish that goal, but we are talking about Kris Letang here.
Letang might have a new wrinkle to his gear
Buffalo also had an optional skate so there were no line rushes to report on, either.
Should be a fun back to back.
Thanks for reading!
Pittsburgh Penguins Blogger • 
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