Buffalo Sabres Face Ongoing Playoff Drought, Tage Thompson Excels Amid Struggles

The Buffalo Sabres are facing another disappointing season, poised to miss the playoffs for the 14th consecutive year, despite high expectations for improvement. Key players like Tage Thompson have shown exceptional performance, with Thompson recently surpassing 30 goals in a season and ranking fifth in the NHL for total goals scored. Meanwhile, the team's draft outcomes have raised concerns, with players like Owen Power and Matt Savoie underperforming relative to expectations. Savoie, now with the AHL's Bakersfield Condors, has shown potential, while Noah Ostlund is beginning to adapt to North American play. On the trade front, former Sabres forward Casey Mittelstadt has started strong with the Boston Bruins after being traded from the Colorado Avalanche, creating additional intrigue for the upcoming matchups. As the season comes to a close, the Sabres seem to be grappling with both individual player struggles and broader organizational challenges.