The Buffalo Sabres were going through an unfortunately all-too-familiar slump to begin the 2025-26 season. The Sabres lost each of their first three games, and it did not seem like they were turning in the most inspiring efforts. However, Tage Thompson and his teammates have certainly figured something out.
Buffalo played host to the slumping Toronto Maple Leafs on Friday. It was game with rare early season stakes. The Maple Leafs needed a confidence boost, while the Sabres could get back to .500.
In the end, Buffalo came out with the victory. Alex Lyon made 31 saves to help the Sabres improve to 4-4-0. They have now won four of their last five games. And they could certainly continue this run of form.
Thompson spoke about managing this sort of play following the game. It certainly feels good to finally be winning. However, they need to keep a level head. They are only eight games into the season, after all.
“It’s a two-way street, right? Can’t get too down on ourselves when we’re 0-3, and we’re on a bit of a heater right now, can’t get too high and forget what made you successful,” Thompson said, via NHL.com. “I think for us the message is staying even-keeled. Continue to do things that are a recipe for winning hockey. … Now we’re feeling it a little bit so we’ve just got to ride that wave.”
Sabres Getting Important Contributions All Over Lineup
Steph Chambers/Getty ImagesTage Thompson and the Buffalo Sabres are trying to keep perspective amid their early resurgence.
Buffalo has its core of stars consisting of Thompson, Alex Tuch, and Rasmus Dahlin. And each of these players are making an impact in their own way. However, it isn’t just the star players making an impact for this team.
Lyon, for example, is playing rather well. He has started seven of Buffalo’s eight games, and has played to a .922 save percentage. Moreover, he ranks fifth in the NHL for Goals Saved Above Expected, according to Evolving Hockey.
Looking closely at the Maple Leafs game, one can point to defenseman Mattias Samuelsson. He scored twice in the win over Toronto, including the opening goal. Overall, his defense has certainly help Buffalo stay in the fight.
I’m just playing with a little more confidence,” Samuelsson said, via NHL.com. “When you don’t have confidence and you’re out there every other night, it can be tough sometimes to kind of find it on the fly. And if you’re playing with just a little bit of swagger and confidence in yourself, it can go a long way.”
Buffalo is getting help all over the ice. With the sort of talent they have, this makes them quite the dangerous team if they can make this sort of play a consistent occurance.
Can Tage Thompson, Buffalo Keep This Up?
The Sabres are playing well, but it’s interesting to look at their upcoming schedule. They will be traveling a bit, with six of their next 10 games coming on the road. However, in terms of quality, there are chances for Buffalo to pick up some wins.
The Sabres’ next game is a rematch against the Maple Leafs in Toronto. Outside of them, they take on a couple teams playing incredible hockey. Both the Washington Capitals and Utah Mammoth are on tap, and both own a 6-2-0 record. Utah comes up twice in the next 10 games, in fact.
Anyone can win in the NHL on any given night. Looking at things on paper, however, shows that the Sabres can string together some wins and continue their confidence. Doing so could prove vital in breaking their 14-season playoff drought.
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