Josh Norris scored twice as the Buffalo Sabres defeated the Columbus Blue Jackets 5–2 at KeyBank Center in Buffalo, New York, on Friday, November 6.
Owen Power contributed three assists, while Jack Quinn, Rasmus Dahlin and Josh Doan supplied Buffalo’s other goals. Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen made 24 saves as the Sabres won for the fourth time in five games.
Quinn opened the scoring at 6:50 of the first period. After Jet Greaves stopped his initial attempt, Quinn followed the play to the net and converted the rebound with a backhand.
Kent Johnson brought Columbus level at 16:00, taking a pass from Sean Monahan before shooting past Luukkonen. Buffalo regained the advantage before the intermission when Norris scored with 1:50 remaining in the period.
The Sabres extended that 2–1 lead with three goals in the second period. Dahlin scored at 4:30, Norris added his second at 9:46 and Doan followed 1:07 later. Power recorded assists on each of Buffalo’s first three goals.
Buffalo generated 33 shots through two periods and carried a 5–1 lead into the third. The Sabres finished with a 37–26 advantage in shots on goal, while Greaves made 32 saves for Columbus.
Zach Werenski scored the Blue Jackets’ second goal on a late power play, with 1:39 remaining in the game. That reduced the margin but did not threaten Buffalo’s lead.
Norris’ two goals ended a six-game scoring drought. Columbus lost its third consecutive road game.
Buffalo next hosts the Vegas Golden Knights on Sunday. Columbus returns home to face the Florida Panthers on Tuesday.
Sources: Associated Press via Medicine Hat News — November 6 Game Report. Die by the Blade — Independent November 6 Game Account. NHL — Official Final Result.