The Buffalo Sabres honored Tage Thompson and Team USA ahead of Tuesday night’s game with a special video package and one of Thompson’s kids taking part in the ceremonial puck drop.

Thompson scored as the Sabres won their fourth straight game by beating the Vegas Golden Knights 3-2.

Thompson drew loud cheers in taking a ceremonial opening faceoff with fellow Olympian and Golden Knights forward Jack Eichel, who even attracted applause in facing his former team.

Owen Power and Jason Zucker also scored for the surging Sabres. Buffalo improved to 25-5-2 in its past 32, and its 35 wins through 61 games are the team’s most since having 41 over the same span in 2006-07.

Alex Lyon made 29 saves to improve to 13-2 in his past 15 starts.

USA’s Tage Thompson, who scored the only goal during overtime, holds the trophy after the Hockey World Championship gold medal match between Switzerland and USA at Avicii Arena in Stockholm, Sweden, Sunday May 25, 2025. (Magnus Lejhall/Keystone via AP)

Pavel Dorofeyev, with his team-leading 29th goal, and Ivan Barbashev scored and Vegas matched a season-low by losing three straight in regulation. The slumping Golden Knights also dropped to 4-8-2 in their past 14.

Akira Schmid stopped 25 shots.

The Sabres appeared in control by opening a 3-0 lead on Thompson’s goal 5:44 into the second period. Thompson scored his team-leading 33rd goal by accepting Alex Tuch’s no-look pass and beating Schmid high on the far side with a shot from the right circle.

The Golden Knights, however, responded with Barbashev and Dorofeyev scoring 1:37 apart to cut the lead to 3-2 by the 8:27 mark of the period.

The Golden Knights played without captain Mark Stone, who sustained an undisclosed injury in a 5-0 loss at Pittsburgh on Sunday. Coach Bruce Cassidy said Stone is with the team getting treatment and listed him as day to day.

United States’ Tage Thompson (72) celebrates with Matthew Tkachuk (19) and Jack Eichel (9) after Thompson scored against Slovakia during the first period of a men’s ice hockey semifinal game at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan, Italy, Friday, Feb. 20, 2026. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster)

Head Coach Lindy Ruff said the feeling in the arena was something special.

“Just the whole atmosphere felt like a playoff atmosphere,” Ruff said. “I think, you know, It’s something welcome around here.”

The team is back on the road, taking on the Pittsburgh Penguins Thursday night.