Sabres Key Forward OUT for Game 3; Skilled Rookie Set for Playoff Debut
Joshua Norris can’t catch a break. The Buffalo Sabres will be without the key center for Game 3 of their […]
Timothy T. Ludwig-Imagn Images Joshua Norris can’t catch a break. The Buffalo Sabres will be without the key center for Game 3 of their first-round playoff series against the Boston Bruins on Thursday night.
Head coach Lindy Ruff confirmed that Norris is day-to-day with an undisclosed injury after not feeling right following Game 2. The 26-year-old veteran did not appear to suffer a major hit in the previous contest, but the ailment has sidelined him for at least one game. It’s certainly a significant short-term blow for Buffalo—especially after falling to the Bruins in Game 2 which allowed Boston to even the series 1-1.
Norris, in his first-ever playoff action, had been a reliable contributor through the opening two games. He averaged over 16 minutes of ice time, recorded six hits, won 53. 1% of his faceoffs, and helped the Sabres control 61.
1% of shot attempts at 5-on-5 with him on the ice. During the regular season, he posted 34 points in 44 games despite missing time with upper-body issues, providing valuable secondary scoring and depth from the third-line role. Fortunately, the Sabres are getting a timely boost with the return of rookie Noah Ostlund.