Fresh off a gold-medal run with Team USA, Tage Thompson scored once and added an assist as the Buffalo Sabres edged the New Jersey Devils 2-1 on Wednesday night in the NHL’s return from the Olympic break.
Thompson, who recorded three goals and an assist in six games at the Milan Games, tallied his 31st goal of the season in the second period. Peyton Krebs also contributed a goal and an assist, while goaltender Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen turned aside 27 shots to secure the victory.
Buffalo has now won seven of its last 10 games, improving to 33-19-6. The Sabres entered the night holding the top wild-card spot in the Eastern Conference as they push to end a 14-year playoff drought.
Krebs doubled the lead midway through the third period before Timo Meier pulled New Jersey within one with 2:30 remaining. Devils netminder Jake Allen finished with 28 saves in the loss.
Prior to the game, New Jersey honored fellow U.S. Olympian Jack Hughes, showing highlights of his dramatic overtime winner in the United States’ 2-1 gold-medal victory over Canada. Hughes assisted on Meier’s late goal.
The Devils fell to 28-28-2 with the defeat.
Up Next
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Sabres: Visit the Florida Panthers on Friday night.
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Devils: Travel to Pittsburgh on Thursday night.
