Physical Confrontation on Ice
Buffalo Sabres forward Tage Thompson faced off against New Jersey Devils’ Stefan Noesen in a physical confrontation during their recent match, effectively resolving any past tensions that stemmed from a controversial incident nearly nine months earlier. The fight broke out just two-and-a-half minutes into the game, marking the teams’ first clash since Buffalo triumphed with a score of 4-3 on February 2.
Details of the Fight
The heated exchange began during a faceoff in the Buffalo zone, as Thompson and Noesen quickly discarded their gloves and engaged in a bout that lasted around thirty seconds, culminating in Noesen hitting the ice while Thompson basked in the cheers of the home crowd. Both players received five-minute major penalties for their altercation.
Background of Animosity
The animosity can be traced back to an elbowing incident last season, where Noesen delivered a devastating blow to Thompson, who was attempting to play the puck near the blue line. This hit not only sent Thompson sprawling to the ice but also caused his helmet to fly off, raising concerns among players and fans alike. Noesen was penalized with a match penalty and ejected from that game, but he escaped any further disciplinary action from the NHL, a decision that sparked criticism towards the Sabres for not defending Thompson in that moment.
Team Reflection and Growth
Following the incident, some Sabres players expressed frustration over their lack of response to the hit, prompting a team meeting to reflect on their actions. In light of that context, head coach Lindy Ruff commented on the past incident before the game, indicating that the team has since grown and learned from their experiences.
“We spent time last year on this topic. For me, it’s behind me. I believe the way our team has handled every situation since really speaks to our growth,”
he stated, emphasizing their readiness to move forward from the past.
