### Sabres' Star Tage Thompson Shines with Hat Trick in 5-3 Victory Over Canadiens The Buffalo Sabres showcased a remarkable performance on January 16, 2026, as they defeated the Montreal Canadiens 5-3. Central to this victory was Tage Thompson, who not only scored a hat trick but also achieved his 200th career goal. This win marked the Sabres' 15th victory in their last 17 games, highlighting their impressive form this season. The game took place at KeyBank Center, coinciding with a reunion night for former Sabres players, adding to the celebratory atmosphere. The Sabres' current record stands at 26-16-4, their best start through 47 games since the 2009-10 season, when they had a record of 30-11-6 [https://apnews.com/article/sabres-canadiens-score-dabfa81c43dd6b53e7dd5cc9550b54d9]. ### Breakdown of the Game's Key Elements 1. **Tage Thompson's Performance** - Scored three goals, including his 200th career goal. - Contributed two assists, totaling five points for the night. - His second goal was pivotal, breaking a 3-3 tie and leading to the victory. 2. **Team Performance** - The Sabres improved their record to 15-2 in their last 17 games. - Other contributors included Josh Doan, who had a goal and an assist, and Alex Tuch, who also scored. - Goalie Colten Ellis made 20 saves, helping secure the win. 3. **Montreal Canadiens' Efforts** - Cole Caufield and Nick Suzuki each scored a goal and provided an assist. - Ivan Demidov also found the net for Montreal. - Rookie goalie Jacob Fowler recorded 22 saves during the match. 4. **Historical Context** - This victory is significant as it marks the Sabres' best start through 47 games since the 2009-10 season. - The game was part of a reunion night, celebrating past players and their contributions to the franchise. ### Supporting Data and Statistics - **Game Statistics:** - **Final Score:** Sabres 5, Canadiens 3 - **Sabres Goals:** - Tage Thompson: 3 goals - Josh Doan: 1 goal - Alex Tuch: 1 goal - **Canadiens Goals:** - Cole Caufield: 1 goal - Nick Suzuki: 1 goal - Ivan Demidov: 1 goal - **Shots on Goal:** Sabres 27, Canadiens 23 - **Goalie Saves:** - Colten Ellis (Sabres): 20 saves - Jacob Fowler (Canadiens): 22 saves [https://www.nhl.com/news/montreal-canadiens-buffalo-sabres-game-recap-january-15-2026]. ### Conclusion: A Night to Remember for the Sabres In summary, **Tage Thompson's outstanding performance** was the highlight of the Sabres' 5-3 victory over the Canadiens, as he not only reached a personal milestone but also played a crucial role in his team's success. The Sabres are on a remarkable run, showcasing their potential as serious contenders this season. The combination of Thompson's skill, team cohesion, and historical significance of the game makes this match a memorable event for both players and fans alike. 1. **Thompson's Hat Trick:** Key to the victory and personal milestone. 2. **Team Dynamics:** Strong contributions from teammates and solid goaltending. 3. **Historical Significance:** Best start since 2009-10 and a celebration of past players. 4. **Future Outlook:** The Sabres are positioned well for the remainder of the season [https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/tage-thompson-scores-hat-trick-025806562.html, https://www.fingerlakes1.com/2026/01/15/tage-thompsons-hat-trick-five-point-night-leads-sabres-to-15th-win-in-last-17-games].