Buffalo Sabres

Sabres Dodge Questions on Tage Thompson, Cancel Media Avail

The Buffalo Sabres are facing criticism for a lack of response to the Tage Thompson hit, then canceling practice to avoid questions.

by
Jim Parsons
February 3, 2025

The Buffalo Sabres aren’t looking to answer questions about their lack of response after star forward Tage Thompson was run over and took a hit to the head from Stefan Noesen of the New Jersey Devils. Mike Harrington of Buffalo News Sports tweeted, “The Sabres just canceled practice and media availability for today, a scant 52 minutes before the workout was slated to begin in KeyBank Center.” He added, “Methinks the kitchen is a little hot for them right now and they needed to cool it down.”

The Sabres have come under fire for not responding to the Thompson hit. Noesen caught Tage Thompson with a shoulder to the head and was assessed a match penalty for an illegal head check on the Sabres forward. No Sabres went after Noesen and he went completely untouched with no consequence other than being kicked out of the game.

When asked following the game, head coach Lindy Ruff said, “I had a couple guys that wanted to go after him right away…” He also said because of the time in the game, they would find another way to get back at him. When questioned on the heart of the team and lack of willingness among his players to engage Nosen, he said, “Bull—-. Next question.”

Jason Zucker said the response to the hit was, “We won.” He added that the players didn’t want to do something that would cost them the game. That’s not sitting well with fans considering where the Sabres are in the standings — a long way from being playoff contenders.

What Is Wrong With the Sabres?

Understandably, fans and media want answers. Not only is this Sabres team not playing up to the standard they should be, but now they seem to be completely cowering away from engaging opponents who target their best players. Some guys didn’t see the hit, but when Thompson is laying on the ice, they need to respond in some way.

Now, the fact the Sabres are avoiding questions from the media and have canceled a practice to take the heat off the team suggests this is a very fragile group. Something’s got to give here.

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