Overview
- Thompson posted five points with his first hat trick of the season and ninth of his career, reaching 200 NHL goals and pacing the Sabres with 25 this season.
- Buffalo improved to 15-2 over its last 17 games, extending a surge that has defined the homestand.
- The power play showed signs of life, going 4-for-10 over the last two games after a 1-for-21 slide across the previous 10.
- Coach Lindy Ruff highlighted resilience after losses and adhered to a goalie plan that started Colten Ellis, who stopped 20 shots, with Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen in the mix.
- Ruff said forward Josh Norris is being evaluated and is considered day-to-day following a cross-check in the previous game.