The Edmonton Oilers suffered another disappointing loss Monday night, falling 5-1 to the Buffalo Sabres. The defeat extended Edmonton’s struggles and dropped them further down the Pacific Division standings. However, one moment from the game captured attention beyond the final score.
Footage emerged showing Sabres center Tage Thompson engaging in some verbal warfare with Oilers star Leon Draisaitl. The interaction took place near the benches and quickly went viral on social media, as fans debated what transpired between the two forwards.
What Did Tage Thompson Say to Leon Draisaitl During the Sabres-Oilers Game?
The viral clip shows Thompson chirping at Draisaitl as both players skated near their respective benches. While the audio doesn’t clearly capture the exact words exchanged, Thompson’s body language and animated gestures suggest he was attempting to get inside the Oilers forward’s head.
Draisaitl appeared largely unbothered by Thompson’s efforts, skating away without engaging in extended trash talk. The German center has dealt with chirping throughout his NHL career and rarely lets opponents distract him from his game.
Thompson’s decision to target Draisaitl makes tactical sense. The Oilers forward remains one of Edmonton’s most important players, and any distraction that throws him off his game benefits the Buffalo team. Mental warfare represents a legitimate strategy, especially when facing elite talent.
However, the timing of Thompson’s chirping drew attention, given Buffalo’s dominant performance. The Sabres controlled large stretches of the contest and built a comfortable lead. Thompson clearly felt confident enough in his team’s play to engage in some bench banter with one of the league’s premier forwards.
Draisaitl finished the game without recording a point in the lopsided defeat. Whether Thompson’s chirping contributed to that quiet performance remains debatable. The Oilers star has struggled alongside the entire team this season, and one game of trash talk likely didn’t significantly impact his effectiveness.
The interaction adds another layer to what has become a frustrating season for the Edmonton Oilers. The franchise sits at 9-8-4 through 21 games, with consistent defensive breakdowns and goaltending issues plaguing them nightly.
Players like Draisaitl and Connor McDavid haven’t been able to elevate the team despite their individual talents. Thompson, meanwhile, continues enjoying a strong season for Buffalo.
The Sabres center has developed into one of the league’s premier power forwards, combining size with elite offensive skill. His willingness to engage in mental warfare demonstrates the confidence he has gained as his game has matured.
Whether the chirping represents legitimate gamesmanship or unnecessary distraction depends on perspective. What’s clear is that Thompson felt comfortable enough to target one of hockey’s best players during a dominant Buffalo performance.
For struggling Edmonton, it represents just another frustrating moment in a season filled with them.
