Buffalo Sabres forward Tage Thompson became the latest U.S. hockey gold medal-winning Olympian to be honored at home at a home game for the first time since the Olympic break. Thompson, who scored three goals and an assist in his Olympic debut at the Milan Cortina Games, was cheered upon being introduced as part of the starting lineup and chants of "USA!" erupted from the sold-out crowd. Former captain and Vegas Golden Knights forward Jack Eichel also received a cheer from the crowd. The celebration came as the Sabres are on the verge of breaking an NHL-record 14-year playoff drought.