Tage Thompson scored the game-winning goal as the Buffalo Sabres defeated the Vegas Golden Knights 3-2 at KeyBank Center on Tuesday. The win extended Buffalo’s winning streak to four games and allowed them to take sole possession of second place in the Atlantic Division, moving ahead of the Detroit Red Wings.
Thompson’s goal came at 5:44 in the second period, giving Buffalo a 3-0 lead. With this performance, Thompson matched his career high by extending his point streak to eight consecutive games, recording five goals and three assists during that stretch.
The Golden Knights responded quickly after Thompson’s goal, scoring twice within one minute and thirty-seven seconds to close the gap to 3-2. Despite this push, Buffalo limited Vegas to only five shots in the third period and held onto their lead.
Jason Zucker opened scoring for Buffalo early in the first period with his 16th goal of the season, assisted by Ryan McLeod and Rasmus Dahlin. Owen Power added another for Buffalo just 46 seconds into the second period off a pass from Noah Ostlund. Alex Lyon made 29 saves in net for Buffalo.
Before puck drop, the Sabres recognized Tage Thompson with a pregame ceremony honoring his gold medal achievement with Team USA at last month’s Winter Olympics. Brett Crompton, massage therapist for both Team USA and the Sabres, was also honored along with Golden Knights players Jack Eichel and Noah Hanifin who participated in international play.
Buffalo will next face off against the Pittsburgh Penguins on Thursday. The game is scheduled for national broadcast on ESPN at 7 p.m.
