Imagine a hockey game where a single player not only scores a hat-trick but also nets his 200th career goal—all in one night. That’s exactly what Tage Thompson did, leading the Buffalo Sabres to a thrilling 5-3 victory over the Montreal Canadiens on January 15, 2026. But here’s where it gets even more impressive: Thompson didn’t stop at three goals; he also added two assists, proving he’s a force to be reckoned with on both ends of the ice. This win wasn’t just another game for the Sabres—it was a statement, pushing their record to a remarkable 15-2 in their last 17 games. And this is the part most people miss: Buffalo’s 56 points through 47 games are their best start since the 2009-10 season, when they went 30-11-6 over the same span. Could this be the year the Sabres reclaim their former glory?
Josh Doan and Alex Tuch also chipped in with a goal and an assist each, while Colten Ellis stood tall in net, stopping 20 shots. For the Canadiens, Cole Caufield and Nick Suzuki each had a goal and an assist, and Ivan Demidov found the back of the net, but it wasn’t enough to stop the surging Sabres. Rookie goalie Jacob Fowler made 22 saves in a valiant effort, but Montreal couldn’t keep pace after Thompson’s go-ahead goal early in the third period. Here’s the controversial part: Was it Peyton Krebs’ persistence in keeping the puck in the zone or Josh Doan’s precise pass that truly set up Thompson’s game-winning shot? Fans are still debating which play was more crucial.
The Sabres didn’t just win—they snapped a six-game home losing streak against Montreal, dating back to November 26, 2022. And they did it on a special night, celebrating the 20th anniversary of their 2005-06 team that reached the Eastern Conference finals. Alumni like Ryan Miller, Thomas Vanek, Jason Pominville, and Jay McKee were on hand to relive the memories. In a heartwarming moment, Miller surprised Vanek and Pominville by announcing their induction into the Sabres Hall of Fame. But here’s the question that’s sparking debate: Does this current Sabres team have what it takes to replicate that 2005-06 run?
Looking ahead, the Canadiens will wrap up their three-game road trip in Ottawa on Saturday, while the Sabres close out a five-game homestand against Minnesota. With both teams at pivotal points in their seasons, one thing’s for sure: the race to the playoffs is heating up. What do you think? Can the Sabres keep this momentum going, or will the Canadiens bounce back stronger? Let us know in the comments—we want to hear your take!
