Team USA played the third period of the Olympic semifinal without Buffalo Sabres star Tage Thompson.
He had gotten injured, and he didn’t return to the bench. The United States advanced, making his gold medal game status a major point of intrigue.
Sounds like things are looking pretty good for Thompson.
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Tage Thompson injury update
Thompson was on the ice for Team USA’s practice on Saturday after being held out for “precautionary” reasons on Friday.
Tage Thompson is on the ice for Team USA skate
— Elliotte Friedman (@FriedgeHNIC) February 21, 2026
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That’s huge news, because the 6-foot-6 Thompson is part of the United States’ first powerplay unit.
He scored a goal and an assist in the semifinal against Slovakia before departing. His goal came on the powerplay with a low-angle slap shot that only a few players on the planet would score.
Thompson’s availability will likely only be confirmed for sure on Sunday, but things look good.
Sabres fans are also excited about this. Buffalo entered the Olympic break in great position to end its 14-year playoff drought.
The United States, and Buffalo, all have to be happy with this.
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