The Buffalo Sabres (12-13-1) crushed the Columbus Blue Jackets (8-15-2), 9-4, on Thursday night at Nationwide Arena behind a historic performance from 25-year-old forward Tage Thompson.
Thompson netted five goals and collected an assist, becoming the second player in franchise history to score five goals in a game. He also became the 18th player in NHL history and the first since 2017 to find the back of the net four times in one period. Thompson moved into third in the NHL in both goals (21) and points (40) after his big night.
Dylan Cozens scored and tallied three assists, extending his point streak to five games. Jeff Skinner also extended his point streak to five games with four assists. Rasmus Dahlin and Alex Tuch notched goals, while Peyton Krebs scored for the first time this season.
Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen made his third-straight start between the pipes and turned aside 20-of-24 shots, picking up his third win this season.
Buffalo converted three times on five power play opportunities while going a perfect 2-for-2 on the penalty kill.
The Sabres will get the day off Thursday before they open a home-and-home series with the Pittsburgh Penguins on Friday at KeyBank Center. Puck drop is set for 7 p.m.
Kyle leads sports coverage and hosts the Concrete Jungle podcast. Have a lead or question? Send it to [email protected].