New York. It didn’t help that Columbus tried to get his collar – because Buffalo had a crown…
He — Taj Thompson — improbably smashed in five goals as the Sabers crushed the Blue Jackets last night, four of which were already in the first period.
– Yeah, Thompson ripped us off, sighs Columbus coach Brad Larsen after the 9-4 victory.
Excuse the poor rhyme—especially poor because Tage Thompson is American and his name is pronounced “Täjg,” not the Swedish Tage Danielsson way.
But after discharges like the one at the Nationwide Arena in Columbus last night, it’s easy to explode a little and do spontaneous songs.
And the 25-year-old bastard of Phoenix had already completed a hat-trick in the 12-and-a-half minute mark. Then he scored another goal in the first period – which the Sabers won, 6-0. In the second period, he scored a fifth goal, and as if that weren’t enough, he also contributed to a 9-4 crushing victory.
– Of course it’s a very impressive achievement and it was an exciting match. Every time one team scores nine goals, it’s fun, says Champion.
– At the same time … I want to be happy for my own sake, but I don’t want to be completely satisfied. We’re not where we want to be as a team and it’s my job to be there.
Thompson is only the second in Buffalo history to score six points in a game, and while he tries to downplay his performance, others are more impressed.
– It was an amazing performance by Taghi, said coach Don Granato.
Columbus teammate Brad Larsen agrees.
– We know that swordsmen are skilled, but we have nothing to oppose them. Thompson ripped us off, sighing.
Rasmus Dahlin also had a successful evening and was responsible for both goals and providing two assists.