Sabres' Tage Thompson missed most obvious pass that would've won series over Canadiens

Tage Thompson had an overtime breakaway. Everyone's first thought was that the Buffalo Sabres' top goal scorer would notch the sudden-death winner to eliminate the Montreal Canadiens and send the Sabres into the Eastern Conference Final.

But then, darting into the picture, there was Zach Benson. The pass was on.

Thompson didn't pass.

He dangled, trying to carry the puck all the way across the crease, before failing to lift it over Jakub Dobes' blocker.

Soon enough, it was Alex Newhook scoring the walk-off winner for the Habs. The Sabres were left heartbroken.

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There's plenty more that could be analyzed. Should the save have been made on Newhook's shot? Should referees have overturned a call or two in regulation? What was wrong with Alex Tuch?

But in the end, the pass was there. It would've erased all other worries. It would've set off pandemonium in Buffalo.

Here's the painful video, in which Benson seems to be right there for an easy pass and a tap-in:

Tage Thompson playing Josh Allen hero ball. pic.twitter.com/Dxgk1tSdn0

Sure, someone could've gotten their stick involved here.

But that's the play. It's right there.

If Thompson isn't going to stay on his forehand side and try to beat Dobes that way, he's got to pass. 

He chose not to, and Buffalo's season is over.

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