Tage Thompson Injury Update Brings Relief to Sabres Fans

Buffalo Sabres fans can breathe a sigh of relief after the latest injury update on Tage Thompson. The talented forward was injured during a 4-3 victory over the New Jersey Devils on Sunday, following a questionable high hit from Devils forward Stefan Noesen. The hit left Thompson shaken, with his helmet knocked off and his body spun around, but fortunately, the news was better than anticipated.

Thompson’s Quick Recovery Update

After the game, Sabres head coach Lindy Ruff confirmed that Thompson had undergone concussion testing and passed with flying colors. “Tage is good. Passed all the tests,” Ruff said. This was a huge relief for fans, as Thompson’s health and safety were paramount after a hit that looked concerning at first. Despite the lack of immediate physical response from Thompson’s teammates following the hit, the Sabres coach stood by their decision to focus on the game rather than engaging in a fight.

Sabres’ Focus on the Win

While the Sabres walked away with a crucial two points in the standings, their victory was somewhat overshadowed by the hit on Thompson. Jason Zucker, a Sabres forward, was asked about the lack of immediate retribution following the hit and pointed out that the best response was securing the win. “Our response is we won. [Noesen] made two plays that cost their team the win. So we’ll take that all day,” Zucker stated, putting the team’s primary focus on the positive outcome.

Noesen’s Controversial Actions

Despite the win, the Sabres were left frustrated by some of the refereeing decisions. In addition to the hit on Thompson, Ruff also expressed his displeasure over a missed call when Noesen cross-checked Zucker after his goal. “Why isn’t there a call after he gets cross-checked after he scores a goal?” Ruff said. His frustration was understandable, given the lack of penalties assessed to the Devils player, especially in a game filled with other contentious calls.

Thompson’s Contributions Before Injury

Before leaving the game, Tage Thompson had a standout performance, registering a goal and two assists in the victory. His playmaking ability continues to be a key component for the Sabres, and his absence from the ice certainly made a mark. However, the news that Thompson passed the concussion protocol brings hope for a quick recovery, and fans will be eager to see him back in action soon.

Sabres’ Playoff Hopes Fading

Unfortunately, the Buffalo Sabres are still in a tough spot regarding playoff contention. With a current record of 21-26-5, the Sabres sit at the bottom of the Eastern Conference standings. They are now the team with the longest playoff drought in the NHL, having last made the postseason in 2011 against the Philadelphia Flyers. Their hopes for a postseason appearance this year seem slim, but with Thompson’s continued growth and strong performances, there is hope for the future.

The Sabres will next face the Columbus Blue Jackets on Tuesday, looking to maintain their momentum and stay focused on their goals, especially with the health of Tage Thompson back on track. While the season’s future remains uncertain, the team’s ability to rally after tough moments, like Thompson’s injury, shows promise.