The Buffalo Sabres came into 2023-24 with expectations. However, things haven’t been great for them as they currently sit in second to last place of the Atlantic Division with a 10-13-2 record which is good for 22 standings points.
They have been without Tage Thompson since November 14th. He hurt himself by blocking a shot against the Boston Bruins. On Tuesday night, he will return to the Sabres lineup at home against the Detroit Red Wings.
Buffalo needed perfect news like this as they are looking for a spark to get out of the rut that they are in. Thompson will return hoping that his elite offensive abilities can get his team going back in the right direction.
BREAKING: Tage Thompson returns to Sabres lineup. ESPN+ tonight. 7:30 vs. Red Wings. pic.twitter.com/kwB2iwNNp1
— BucciOT.Com (@Buccigross) December 5, 2023
The Buffalo Sabres are getting Tage Thompson back on Tuesday night
Before his injury, Thompson played in 16 games. He has 6 goals and 6 assists for 12 points so far which is well below what we expect from him. In 2022-23, he scored 47 goals and had 47 assists for 94 points in 78 games played. That is the outstanding play that Buffalo needs.
Thompson can make plays at a high level but his booming shot is what makes his game get to that elite level. His one-time shot on the power play is amongst the best in the National Hockey League.
His production needs to be better than it was before his injury. It wasn’t bad but he needs to be the driving force on that team for them to have a chance. There is plenty of talent around him to make sure that he gets better. If he doesn’t, Buffalo have no chance.
The Sabres will be taking on the Red Wings in this contest. Patrick Kane will not be making his season debut against his hometown Sabres as he isn’t ready for game speed yet.
Derek Lalonde confirms Patrick Kane
— Kristen Shilton (@kristen_shilton) December 5, 2023
won’t play tonight in Buffalo
Still potentially getting in later this week
With or without Kane, there is some outstanding American hockey talent playing in this game. Alex DeBrincat and Dylan Larkin lead that front for Detroit and Thompson is the guy for Buffalo. It is good knowing that he will be back for this game as the NHL is a better place with him in it. Seeing stars like him shine is what makes this game extra special.