Buffalo, N.Y. (WGR Sports Radio 550) - It was a huge return to the Buffalo Sabres lineup for center Josh Norris, who scored two goals and added an assist in a dominant 5-1 victory over the Winnipeg Jets on Monday night at KeyBank Center.
The Sabres wasted little time capitalizing on a power play chance just minutes into the game. Dylan DeMelo was called for holding less than two minutes into the game. The initial shot on the special teams chance was stopped by Eric Comrie, but the puck was laying in the crease.
Jason Zucker's power play goal was his seventh goal of the season for Buffalo, giving the team a 1-0 lead over the Jets. Just 15 seconds later Bowen Byram is part of an odd-man rush and doubles Buffalo's lead to two goals.
Norris was credited with an assist on Zucker's goal. The assist comes in the forward's first game back since suffering an upper body injury in the first game of the season.
Norris would score his first goal of the season later in the first period to extend the Sabres advantage to three goals over Winnipeg.
Norris' first score of the year was assisted by Tage Thompson and Zach Benson. The trio comprised the top line for the Sabres.
Winnipeg was able to get a goal with a player right in front of the net for a deflection chance. Kyle Connor scored his 13th goal of the year after Mark Schiefele took the shot toward the net. The Jets trailed Buffalo 3-1.
However, just over a minute later Alex Tuch restored the three-goal lead with his ninth goal of the season. It came on a second chance after his initial shot was stopped by Thomas Milic.
Josh Doan was credited with the lone assist on the goal that came with just over seven minutes remaining in the middle period.
Norris' second goal and third point of the game came less than a minute into the third period. Benson made the pass at center ice that helped spring the centerman on a partial breakaway.
Benson and Dahlin received the assists on the goal that made the score 5-1 in favor of Buffalo.
----------
SCORING RECAP
First Period:
BUF: 2:46 - Jason Zucker (7) PPG (Josh Doan, Josh Norris); 3:01 - Bowen Byram (5) (Jack Quinn, Connor Timmins); 14:54 - Josh Norris (1) (Tage Thompson, Zach Benson)
WPG: NONE
Second Period:
BUF: 12:49 - Alex Tuch (9) (Josh Doan)
WPG: 11:26 - Kyle Connor (13) (Josh Morrissey, Mark Schiefele)
Third Period:
BUF: 0:41 - Josh Norris (2) (Zach Benson, Rasmus Dahlin)
WPG: NONE
----------
----------
Blue Star Home Services Three Stars of the Game:
1.) Josh Norris - BUF
2.) Josh Doan - BUF
3.) Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen - BUF
----------
What's next:
The Sabres will make a stop in Philadelphia on Wednesday before completing their home-and-home with the Jets this week. Buffalo and the Flyers will meet at 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday night. The only place to hear Dan and Rob's call of the game is on the flagship home of the Sabres Radio Network - WGR Sportsradio 550. Pregame coverage starts at 6:30 p.m. with Mike Schopp and the Bulldog.