Player Discussion Tage Thompson 2

[TageGod]

Our current set would be perfect to me with a white goathead alt added (and home whites overall, but that's a bigger discussion). I know the NHL is the No...Happiness(?) League when it comes to rules about this stuff though.

I'm just against the idea of permanently changing the color scheme of a franchise unless it's universally despised. Zoomers like Tage grew up with it and it holds a primacy with them, but I see the sentiment to go full time red and black enough that I feel the need to push back against it (and that's coming from a 37yo who was at the goathead/Machinehead unveiling at the arena).

Is there a jersey alternate limit? Can they split 50/50?

 

[Zman5778]

Is there a jersey alternate limit? Can they split 50/50?

All I can find on this is that the NHL allows alternate jerseys "with the league's permission". No word or set number as regards to how often that I could find though.

 

[TheDawnOfANewTage]

https://x.com/i/web/status/1828884937203749076

Oof I hate this take from Tage (as I near NHL retirement age and begin to yell at clouds).

Congrats on turning 30!

Also, what exactly was wrong with him last year? Did he say in interview? I know wrist was speculated, dude seemed to lack the confidence of the prior season at times as well. I’m optimistic he’s gonna have his best season, based on optimism. That month stretch he had.. when dude is on he’s top 5 forwards, easy.

 

[sabremike]

Congrats on turning 30!

Also, what exactly was wrong with him last year?

 

[KiwiGriff]

I love our current jerseys but grew up with the goatheads. I think our current uniform set is perfect. It’s not a crazy take from him, I get why people love it, I just prefer to keep it how it is.

All this tells me is that we are spoilt for choice. Either a classic jersey considered one of the better ones in the league, or an alternate that is drastically different, and considered arguably the best alternate in the league.

For all the team's problems, it's nice that great jerseys aren't one of them.

 

[HaNotsri]

Is it me or does Thompson seem to change his playing style between seasons? I've never seen a player look so different from season to season.

He looks a lot more powerful now and plays a very straightforward but effective game. He just skates past other players with a burst of speed. Makes me think of EA's NHL 2000.
I'm sure he can still dangle like hell but he's all business now.

The amazing season two years ago he looked like a floorball player with insane skills and wingspan. He was effective but everything was very artistic and complicated, he'd dangle the puck into the net repeatedly.

I think he might be even better this season but I'm amazed he can look so different. Curious if I'm hallucinating or if someone else thinks the same?

 

[Chainshot]

Is it me or does Thompson seem to change his playing style between seasons? I've never seen a player look so different from season to season.

He looks a lot more powerful now and plays a very straightforward but effective game. He just skates past other players with a burst of speed. Makes me think of EA's NHL 2000.
I'm sure he can still dangle like hell but he's all business now.

The amazing season two years ago he looked like a floorball player with insane skills and wingspan. He was effective but everything was very artistic and complicated, he'd dangle the puck into the net repeatedly.

I think he might be even better this season but I'm amazed he can look so different. Curious if I'm hallucinating or if someone else thinks the same?

Since they got back from Europe, he seems to have decided that the defensive side of the game needs to be where he’s applying himself even more. That’s where I’ve been most impressed with him, actually coming back to cover in his own zone and being back deep to support before using that burst to get up the ice.

Maybe that’s just because my biggest beef with him has been not applying himself in his own zone. I feel like that’s what’s holding him back from actually moving from being a good scoring center to being a possible star. And it looks like he’s starting to do it.

 

[Dingo44]

From The Athletic:

The NHL's 9 Most Impressive Bounce Back Seasons

Tage Thompson, Buffalo Sabres

Thompson looked like a franchise center when he exploded for 47 goals and 94 points in 2022-23. He was among the most exciting players in the league to watch because of his rare combination of towering size, elite shooting ability and silky smooth hands. But he took a massive step back last season, scoring 29 goals and 56 points in 71 games. Considering his limited track record as an upper-echelon first-line center, it prompted questions about whether his 94-point breakout was a one-off.

Not only has Thompson bounced back as an elite offensive producer, but he’s also leveled up his all-around game to heights he’s never reached before.

The 27-year-old sniper scored 16 five-on-five goals last year. Through 16 games this season, he’s already up to a league-leading 10 goals at five-on-five.

Thompson’s line is feasting off the rush — by my count, six of his 10 even-strength goals have come from a counterattack. It also helps that he’s healthier than last season when a hand/wrist injury ailed him. He’s back to ripping one-time rockets, which is a key part of his game that was hindered last season.

It’s also remarkable to see the glow-up of his two-way results. The Sabres are dominating opponents to the tune of a 61 percent expected goal share and have outscored opponents 15-4 during Thompson’s five-on-five shifts. His defensive metrics are miles better compared to his breakout 2022-23 campaign. He’s certainly playing the best hockey of his career.