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TAMPA -- Josh Norris scored twice to lead the Buffalo Sabres to a 6-2 victory against the Tampa Bay Lightning at Benchmark International Arena on Saturday.

Yet, something has changed with this Sabres team. It’s been almost three full months since the Sabres turned their season around, and this 3-2 win over the Panthers is more evidence the turnaround isn’t a fluke. “I think we’re a stronger team now,” Sabres coach Lindy Ruff said. “I think physically we’re a stronger team.”

Expert recap and game analysis of the Montreal Canadiens vs. Buffalo Sabres NHL game from January 31, 2026 on ESPN.

Sabres have exceeded expectations to this point in the season, but there is more work to do if they are going to make the playoffs.

It’s another to back up those words with games such as the 6-2 win the Sabres registered over the Tampa Bay Lightning on Saturday night. The playoffs haven’t started yet, but wins like this one should send a clear signal to the rest of the Eastern Conference about what type of team Buffalo is.

In a recent article for The Athletic, Matthew Fairburn named Maple Leafs forward Bobby McMann as an "ideal target" for the Sabres. "McMann is the type of fast, forechecking winger who would fit on any of Buffalo’s lines. He’s also got some goal-scoring pop to his game and only makes $1.35 million per year," Fairburn wrote.

Beck Malenstyn scored a controversial go-ahead goal midway through the third period in the Buffalo Sabres' win against the host Florida Panthers on Feb. 27.