Josh Norris returns from injury with two goals and an assist in Sabres 5-1 win over Jets

Josh Norris made an emphatic statement in his return to the lineup for the Buffalo Sabres, scoring two goals and adding an assist in a 5-1 victory over the Winnipeg Jets. His first game back after aggravating an injury in the season opener, Norris quickly made an impact, contributing to the opening tally just 2:46 into the contest. He added a backhand goal with 5:06 remaining in the first period to put Buffalo ahead, and capped his night with another backhand marker 41 seconds into the third period.

The performance marked Norris’s first three-point game since January 30 against Washington (while with Ottawa) and his first multi-goal game in Sabres colors. Zach Benson and Rasmus Dahlin provided the primary assists on both Norris goals, while Buffalo received offense from Bowen Byram, Jason Zucker, and Alex Tuch, among others. Goaltender Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen stopped 23 shots for the win. Winnipeg’s only goal came from Kyle Connor, as goaltender Eric Comrie and later Thomas Milic faced a barrage of chances.

Norris had missed 24 games due to a lower-body injury suffered in the season opener, and his return offers a potential spark for Buffalo’s lineup as they push for a playoff berth. Despite prior injury history, the Sabres are hopeful his presence will help balance the attack and improve depth as they navigate a tough road schedule.

This game also served as a test of Norris’s durability, as he has battled injuries throughout his seven NHL seasons, including shoulder surgery that cut short the 2022-23 campaign. With his return, Buffalo appears poised to benefit from his two-way contributions at center and his scoring touch.