The 2026 Olympic Games in Italy were a marvel to behold for all hockey fans around the world. From the clutch moments to the ones that brought on heartbreak for so many others, there was a little something for everyone. For Buffalo Sabres fans, they had some of the best hockey to watch in the men’s division as Rasmus Dahlin and Tage Thompson played very well for their respective teams. While one had a much happier ending compared to the other, it does not take away from the greatness both showed.
Rasmus Dahlin Played His Heart Out
It was a heartbreaker for the Swedish team as a whole. They were eliminated before the quarterfinal round by the United States in a tough 2-1 loss, and it was a game where Dahlin played well and could have even done more. He said himself when he returned to Buffalo that after taking a hit from Brady Tkachuk, he was “good to go” for overtime when it came around, but he unfortunately did not see any playing time, despite being one of their best players throughout the tournament.
Dahlin finished the Olympics with one goal and four assists (five points) while also being a plus-4 in the five games that Sweden played, which had him ranked third on the scoring list for them. This was just behind forwards Mika Zibanejad (six points) and Lucas Raymond (nine points), and had him leading Swedish defenders in scoring.
Dhalin was a constant presence for his team and played like a leader in a group that was fighting against the odds. He should be proud of what he did personally despite the team’s early exit, and he deserves a resounding A- for his overall performance on the international stage. Now he just needs to bring that energy and experience to the ice for the hometown team.
Tage Thompson Did Exactly What Was Needed
Early on in the tournament, Thompson was being underutilized and arguably deserved more playing time considering how well he was playing. However, by the time the Olympics ended, Thompson finished with a very good stat line and eventually came away as a gold medal winner, along with the rest of the United States team. He was on the team to be a depth scorer and a threat to put pucks in the net when needed, and he did exactly that. He played his part in the United States’ gold medal run, and that is all anyone can ask for.
Thompson finished the Olympics with three goals and one assist, for a total of four points in six games. His three goals had him tied for second among US players for goals (tied with Auston Matthews and Brady Tkachuk), and that was still with only an average of 10:38 played per game.
His performances outside of his production were great as well. Thompson was a threat to score nearly every shift he was on the ice, and regularly generated some of the team’s best chances. If things had gone right, he could have even finished with around six goals. Regardless, his final stats in relation to his ice time, and factoring in his play away from the puck, he is very deserving of a full A+ grade for his Olympic performance.
What Lies In Store Back In Buffalo?
With the US team still celebrating and likely recovering from their extended tournament, Thompson is questionable to play in the upcoming games for the Sabres. Dahlin, however, was at practice and was ready to go. It will be a tough pill to swallow for Sabres fans to not see Thompson out there in the coming days as the team continues to fight for their first playoff spot in 15 years, but they will have to persevere. Hopefully, having a healthy Josh Norris back will make up for the lost presence of Thompson. Nevertheless, NHL hockey resumes, and things are about to get fun. When Dahlin and Thompson are both back full-time, it will be all systems go.
Related: Hellebuyck’s Olympic Performance Reminiscent of Sabres Legend
As a Sabres fan and someone who was rooting for the US to win, it really was something quite special to see them take home the gold and watch a player from this team be a part of it. When the Sabres finally make their way home to KeyBank Center in March, there will undoubtedly be a standing ovation for all the Olympians, but I expect nothing but roars that will rock the building when Thompson is celebrated.
