Thompson’s Hat Trick Lifts Sabres Past Ducks in 7-6 Thriller

A High-Scoring Affair

The Anaheim Ducks hosted the Buffalo Sabres at the Honda Center on Thursday, October 29, 2026, in a contest that delivered immediate offense from both sides. The game was defined by rapid scoring bursts and an inability for either defense to maintain control for long stretches. Despite a valiant effort to stay within striking distance, the Ducks ultimately fell 7-6 to the visiting Sabres.

First Period Chaos

Anaheim struck first when Mikael Granlund scored his third goal of the season, assisted by Jackson LaCombe and Leo Carlsson. The Ducks quickly extended their lead in the same period as Cutter Gauthier added another tally with a slap shot, supported by Beckett Sennecke and Carlsson.

Buffalo responded to cut the deficit, with Tyson Kozak netting his first career goal on a wrist shot assisted by Sam Carrick and Mattias Samuelsson. Roger McQueen then restored Anaheim’s two-goal advantage with a snap shot, aided by Sam Colangelo and Nick Jensen.

However, Buffalo rallied before the period ended; Noah Ostlund scored his fourth goal of the year, helped by Zach Benson and Tage Thompson, followed immediately by Thompson tying the game at 3-3 with a wrist shot assisted by Benson and Peyton Krebs.

Sabres Pull Away

Buffalo seized momentum early in the second period. Tage Thompson completed his hat trick, scoring his seventh goal of the season on a wrist shot assisted by Peyton Krebs. Shortly after, Thompson added his eighth goal of the year, making it 5-3 for Buffalo, with assists from Rasmus Dahlin and Krebs.

The Sabres continued to pile on goals in the third period. Jack Quinn scored his seventh goal of the season, with Tage Thompson recording his seventh assist of the game and Rasmus Dahlin adding another. Zach Benson then sealed the lead at 7-3 with his second goal of the year, assisted by Olen Zellweger.

Late Rally Falls Short

Anaheim refused to quit in the final frame. Cutter Gauthier scored his fourth goal of the season, getting assists from Jackson LaCombe and Leo Carlsson to make it 7-4. Tristan Luneau added his second goal of the year, assisted by Judd Caulfield, bringing the score to 7-5.

Beckett Sennecke then scored his eighth goal without any assist, making the final margin 7-6. The loss drops Anaheim to 5-7-1 with 11 points, while Buffalo improves to 6-4-3 with 15 points. Attendance at the Honda Center was 15,575.

Sources

ESPN