Tage Thompson’s 15-Second Hat Trick Lifts Sabres Past Ducks in High-Octane Game

Buffalo center Tage Thompson scored a natural hat trick, including two goals in 15 seconds late in the second period, to power the Sabres to a 7-6 victory over the Ducks. His performance included two assists and helped the team overcome a late rally by Anaheim. The Sabres improved to 6-4-3 with the win.

On October 30, 2026, in a high-scoring contest at Honda Center, Buffalo Sabres center Tage Thompson delivered one of the most electric individual performances of the early NHL season, scoring a natural hat trick with two goals in just 15 seconds during the second period to help the Sabres defeat the Anaheim Ducks 7-6. Thompson’s first goal tied the game at 3-3 late in the first period, and his back-to-back markers at 18:36 and 18:51 of the second gave Buffalo a 5-3 lead, marking his 31st career multi-goal game and completing a hat trick without any other goals scored between them. He also recorded two assists on power-play goals, contributing to a line that combined for 11 points—Peyton Krebs with three assists, Zach Benson with a goal and two assists, and Rasmus Dahlin adding one assist. The Sabres built a 7-3 lead early in the third, but Anaheim mounted a furious comeback with goals from Cutter Gauthier, Luneau, and Sennecke in the final minute, narrowing the gap to 7-6. Colten Ellis made 29 saves on 35 shots to secure the win, which improved Buffalo’s record to 6-4-3. Thompson now has eight goals and 15 points through 13 games, solidifying his role as a key offensive force.

This performance comes amid ongoing speculation about the Sabres’ direction following trade rumors involving Dylan Larkin, which had dominated local discourse. Thompson’s breakout moment provides a timely counter-narrative, shifting focus toward emerging talent and team chemistry rather than roster spe