Sabres' Tage Thompson Records Hardest In-Game Shot in NHL Tracking Era

It's been a year of record velocities in the NHL, spearheaded by Buffalo Sabres forward Tage Thompson.

The Sabres may be amidst the longest playoff drought in the league, but their 4-2 defeat to the Dallas Stars on Tuesday featured a feat no other team has achieved.

Thompson clocked a 106.0 shot, which is officially the hardest shot registered in a game since the tracking era since NHL EDGE began at the start of the 2021-22 season.

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It only took two months for a new mark in the books.

Thompson's shot exceeded his prior NHL-best of 104.69 mph, achieved during a game against the Detroit Red Wings on Oct. 26. That shot came two days after the previous record of 103.77 mph set by Utah Hockey Club defenseman Michael Kesselring.

Ironically, Thompson's shot didn't reach the net to be recorded as a shot on goal. He delivered a deep stretch pass to linemate Alex Tuch, sparking a swing in Dallas' direction. Tuch dropped the puck back to defenseman Jacob Bryson, who then set up Thompson for a powerful one-timer as he crossed the blue line.

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According to NHL EDGE statistics, Thompson tops all forwards this season with two shots exceeding 100 mph and 19 attempts clocking in at over 90 mph.

ST LOUIS, MISSOURI - DECEMBER 29: Tage Thompson #72 of the Buffalo Sabres shoots the puck against the St. Louis Blues at Enterprise Center on December 29, 2024 in St Louis, Missouri.

Thompson ended the evening with one assist and a minus-1 rating. He leads the Sabres with 30 points and is on pace to produce the second-most productive campaign in his eight-year career.

The 6-foot-6 center broke out in 2022-23 for 94 points despite the Sabres finishing the year 42-33-7.

Empirically, Thompson's presence on the score sheet is a linked factor to the Sabres' success. The 2023 All-Star selection went give games through the month of December without registering a goal; the Sabres went winless through those contests. In the four games since the Sabres have won the two games, Thompson potted one.

Thompson missed five games last month due to a lower-body injury. It could be hampering his output as his expected goals are down by almost eight in contrast to last season.

Buffalo is on track to miss the playoffs for its 14th consecutive season, sitting last in the Atlantic Division with 32 points heading into Thursday's tilt against the Colorado Avalanche.

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