Josh Norris shows why he is critical to the Buffalo Sabres' success in first game back

Fans had to wait over 25 games before they got to see the top forward line for the Buffalo Sabres, but on Monday night against the Winnipeg Jets, they were able to finally take the ice together.

Through most of the preseason, it was Zach Benson, Josh Norris, and Tage Thompson as the top line. Unfortunately, Benson suffered an injury before the opening game in practice, and then Norris suffered an injury in that first game that kept him out until the game against the Jets.

It didn't take long for Josh Norris to make an impact and remind fans why the Buffalo Sabres were looking to trade for him from the Ottawa Senators as part of the return for Dylan Cozens. He would have a goal and an assist in the first period against the Jets that helped Buffalo cruise to a 4-1 win over Winnipeg.

Josh Norris gives a spark to the Buffalo Sabres' power play for his first point of the season

Norris' first point of the season came early in this game against the Winnipeg Jets after Dylan DeMelo would be called for holding, actually on Josh Norris. As the power play progressed, Norris would get the puck and was patient as a Jets defender slid by him and opened up a window to take the shot.

He would be able to get the puck on net, and after Josh Doan got a stick on the puck, Jason Zucker was able to clean it up and score the first goal of the game.

This was great to see from a power play unit that has been struggling as of late and converted only one of their last nine power play opportunities.

Josh Norris shows off the scoring touch with two goals

Norris wasn't done as later in the period, Tage Thompson would find him along the goal line where Norris controlled the puck and was able to sneak it past Eric Cromie.

The performance in the first period alone would make Josh Norris' return considered to be a success. However, he wasn't done and would add another goal in the third to push the Sabres lead to 5-1 on a beautiful breakaway goal.

When healthy, Josh Norris is a dynamic player who can help transform this Sabres offense. The top line of Benson, Norris, and Thompson combined for six points, and if they can continue to play at this level, the Sabres have a great chance of digging themselves out of last place in the Eastern Conference.