Wednesday’s matchup between the Buffalo Sabres and the Columbus Blue Jackets featured one of the greatest performances in recent memory for Sabres winger Tage Thompson.
Thompson made a huge impact early in Wednesday’s matchup, scoring four goals along with an assist in an insane five-point first period.
TAGE THOMPSON WITH 4 GOALS AND 5 POINTS IN 1 PERIOD! pic.twitter.com/l7h5tAuyDd — The Comeback (@thecomeback) December 8, 2022
This first period for Thompson made history in a number of ways. It ties an NHL record for the most goals in any period, and it’s the second-fastest four-goal period to begin a game in NHL history.
While it’s undoubtedly the best performance of his career, it was certainly no fluke. This performance moved Thompson into third in the NHL with 20 goals on the year, and fourth in total points with 39.
Thompson did not stop there despite the game being well in hand, capping off his terrific start with his fifth and final goal of the game in the second period to give the Sabres a 7-2 lead.
5 GOALS FOR TAGE THOMPSON!
pic.twitter.com/QBUQS8vYx9 — The Comeback (@thecomeback) December 8, 2022
Many around the NHL world took to social media after the conclusion of the game to sing Thompson’s praises for this unreal game.
Of the 17 players that had ever scored four goals in a period entering Wednesday, only one had done so since 2000, with Patrick Marleau recording a four-goal period in January 2017.
Tage Thompson was asked after the game about his performance, where he issued a very humble answer.
“You can’t be satisfied. Obviously, it’s a great achievement. You want to be happy for yourself. But at the same time, there’s more to do. We’re not where we want to be as a team and it’s my job to help us get there.”