Imagine a hockey game where a 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 added two assists, cementing his status as the game’s undisputed MVP. This win wasn’t just another tally in the standings—it was a statement for the surging Sabres, who improved 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 return to 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 overcome Buffalo’s offensive firepower. Rookie goalie Jacob Fowler made 22 saves in a valiant effort, but Montreal’s recent streak of 8-2-4 came to an end.
The game itself was a rollercoaster, with both teams trading leads through the first two periods. But here’s where it gets controversial: Was it Peyton Krebs’ persistence in keeping the puck in Montreal’s zone, or Josh Doan’s clever pass, that set up Thompson’s go-ahead goal early in the third? Either way, Thompson’s snap shot inside the left post was a thing of beauty. He later sealed the deal with an empty-netter, completing his ninth career hat-trick.
This win also snapped Buffalo’s 0-4-2 home losing streak against Montreal, dating back to November 26, 2022. And this is the part that tugs at the heartstrings: The Sabres celebrated the 20th anniversary of their 2005-06 team, which reached the Eastern Conference finals before falling to the eventual Stanley Cup champion Carolina Hurricanes. Alumni like Ryan Miller, Thomas Vanek, Jason Pominville, and Jay McKee were on hand, and Miller delivered a surprise announcement: Vanek and Pominville will be inducted into the Sabres Hall of Fame. Talk about a night to remember!
Former co-captain and current Flyers GM Danny Briere even sent a taped message to the fans, adding to the nostalgia. Looking ahead, the Canadiens will wrap up their three-game road trip in Ottawa on Saturday, while the Sabres host Minnesota to close out a five-game homestand.
But here’s the question that’ll spark debate: Are the Sabres legitimate contenders this season, or is their hot streak just a fluke? Let us know your thoughts in the comments—we’re eager to hear your take!
