Sabres Start Grueling Road Swing as Josh Norris Shines in Return
The Buffalo Sabres are about to find out what they’re really made of. A six-game, 12-day road trip kicks off Wednesday night in Philadelphia, and while the team is traveling light on the blue line - just six defensemen to start - there’s a sense that things could shift quickly as the trip heads west.
But before we look ahead, let’s talk about what just happened back home in Buffalo - because it was big.
Josh Norris returned to the lineup Monday night after missing 24 games with an upper-body injury, and he didn’t just ease back in. He exploded.
Two goals, an assist, and a commanding presence in a 5-1 win over the Winnipeg Jets. That’s how you make a statement after nearly two months away.
“He was unbelievable,” said Sabres coach Don Granato after the game. And honestly, it’s hard to argue.
Norris looked sharp, engaged, and - maybe most importantly - confident. From the opening puck drop, it was clear he wasn’t going to wait around to find his rhythm.
He brought it with him.
His first goal came early, and it set the tone. The Sabres fed off that energy and never looked back. Norris added an assist and then buried his second goal later in the game, capping off a performance that reminded everyone just how impactful he can be when healthy.
The timing of his return couldn’t be better. The Sabres are heading into one of the toughest stretches of their season, and having a top-six center back in the mix - especially one who can produce like Norris - is a major boost.
“He’s a difference-maker,” said teammate Alex Tuch. “You could feel it on the bench.
He brings a lot of poise and skill, but also just a calming presence. He’s been through a lot, but he looked like he hadn’t missed a beat.”
That’s not just good news for the top line - it creates a ripple effect throughout the lineup. With Norris back, the Sabres can roll more balanced forward combinations, easing the load on Tage Thompson and Dylan Cozens, and giving the coaching staff more flexibility in matchups.
As for the defense, traveling with only six blueliners is a bit of a gamble, especially with back-to-backs and long travel days ahead. But the team seems prepared to make adjustments on the fly if needed. Expect some roster movement if injuries or fatigue start to creep in.
The road trip will test the Sabres in more ways than one - physically, mentally, and competitively. But if Monday night was any indication, they’re heading into it with some serious momentum. Norris is back, the offense is clicking, and the team looks like it’s starting to find its identity.
Now comes the hard part: sustaining it.
The Sabres will face a mix of playoff-caliber opponents and tough travel over the next two weeks. How they come out of this stretch could say a lot about where this team is headed this season. But with Norris back in the fold and firing on all cylinders, they’ve got a key piece in place to help lead the way.