On Halloween night, Buffalo Sabers forward Tage Thompson terrorized the Detroit Red Wings by assisting in six of his team’s goals in an 8-3 win Monday night at KeyBank Center.
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The hero of the day began his productive evening at work by scoring the first goal of the game. Installed at the top of the face-off circle, the American accepted a throw from Jeff Skinner and fired a one-timer that left goalkeeper Alex Nedeljkovic virtually no chance.
The youngster, who recently signed a seven-year, $50 million contract extension, went on to provide assists on successes Jack Quinn and Skinner. In the case of the first of these two players, it was his first goal in 2022-2023.
Thompson, however, had not said his last word and hit the back of the net twice more. He thus brought his tally to seven goals in nine games this season. He also added an assist to his card when Rasmus Dahlin moved the ropes.
It was also the very first time in his career in the National League that the 25-year-old hockey player amassed more than three points in the same game.
Dylan Cozens and Rasmus Asplund got the goals that didn’t involve Thompson.
In goal for the Sabers, Eric Comrie gave up three times on 18 shots. He was foiled by shots from Olli Maatta, David Perron and Dylan Larkin. The Quebecer, who is playing his first season in a Red Wings uniform, has also hit the mark five times so far with his new team.
Ovechkin closes in on Gordie Howe record loss
At the PNC Arena, Alexander Ovechkin came within one goal of a Gordie Howe record in the Washington Capitals’ 3-2 shootout loss to the Carolina Hurricanes.
Well placed to the right of goalkeeper Frederik Andersen, Ovechkin fired a cannonball during a power play in the second period. The Caps’ second goal was his 785th career goal. Gordie Howe holds the record for 786 consecutive goals with the same formation. The one who is nicknamed “Mr. Hockey” had achieved the feat with the Detroit Red Wings.
The Hurricanes, however, were tenacious in front of their fans. Stefan Noesan redirected a puck early in the first period to beat Darcy Kuemper. Dylan Strome and Ovechkin both scored in the second period to give the Capitals the lead, before watching Andrei Svechnikov tie the game with minutes left in the period.
The duel ended in a shootout. Brent Burns and Andrei Svechnikov beat Kuemper to give the Canes the win, while goaltender Frederik Andersen got ahead of the Capitals’ number 8.
“Ovi” will attempt to tie Gordie Howe’s record on Tuesday night as his team hosts the Las Vegas Golden Knights before heading to Detroit to face the Red Wings on Thursday.