Buffalo, N.Y. (WGR 550) – The Buffalo Sabres have had one of the NHL’s "Three Stars of the Week" three times this season. Rasmus Dahlin and Dylan Cozens were honored earlier this season by the NHL, and now Tage Thompson is the league's "Second Star of the Week" for the week ending on Dec. 11.
Thompson scored five goals and an assist in Columbus on Wednesday, which marked his second six-point game of the season.
Thompson’s five goals tied Dave Andreychuk’s team record, while his four goals in one period set a Sabres record and tied an NHL record.
Thompson had seven points on the week, picking up one assist in the two games against the Pittsburgh Penguins.
Thompson is fourth in league scoring with 41 points, and third in goals with 21. He, of course, was excited to be recognized by the NHL.
“It’s a pretty cool feeling,” said Thompson on Monday following practice.
Thompson has had time to reflect on his record night, saying it was pretty wild and didn't think he ever expected anything like that to happen.
“You can take a look back and kind of enjoy it, but at the same time, you’ve got to move on because there’s still a lot more hockey to play,” Thompson said.
Sabres head coach Don Granato had the pleasure of giving Thompson the news after practice on Monday.
“It’s awesome to be recognized in that light," said Granato after Monday's skate. "We had Dylan as the 'Second Star' a week ago, and we had 'Dahls' as the 'First Star' earlier in the year. So when you look at the whole of that, three different players, I feel it’s a great barometer of what’s ahead for the group. Those players were not able to achieve what they did without other guys being competent around them, and they’re separating themselves from piers around the league. It’s a good indicator that our collective game is improving."
With three Sabres already being honored by the league this season, Thompson likes the fact that people are noticing that they’re a better team.
“I think it speaks to the work that the guys have been putting in, and it’s nice to get that recognition," Thompson said.
"We’ve had a few individuals achieve that now, so now it’s time for us to do it as a team and start to win some games, and get recognition from a whole team standpoint.”
Washington Capitals goalie Charlie Lindgren was the NHL's 'First Star'. He went 4-0-0 with a 1.50 goals-against average and a .949 save percentage.
Toronto Maple Leafs winger William Nylander was the league's 'Third Star', scoring three goals and four assists for seven points in three games.
With Jeff Skinner getting suspended by the league for three games, Casey Mittelstadt went to the left wing on Thompson’s line. The big center was happy about that move.
“I love playing with Casey," he admitted. "We played together before, and we have some good, natural chemistry. He’s got a lot of skill, and he thinks the game really well. Plus, he’s a pass first guy, which works great for me.
“I thought we played good. I thought we were snake bit. We had some good chances, and it’s something to build off of moving forward.”
Thompson still isn’t the best at taking faceoffs, as he’s near the bottom of the pack winning just over 41% of his draws. He says he’s been working on it on and off the ice.
“You have to do the on-ice part, but I think anytime that you can look at some video and see what other guys around the league are doing, plus it’s a lot of repetition too, as you take more, you learn what works for you,” Thompson said.
The lines for Monday’s practice were pretty much the same:
Forwards:
Girgensons – Krebs – Okposo
Mittelstadt – Thompson – Tuch
Peterka – Cozens – Quinn
Asplund – Jost – Olofsson
Defense:
Samuelsson – Dahlin
Pilut (Clague) – Fitzgerald
Power – Bryson
Skinner – Hinostroza
