Sabres' Tuch, Norris Need to Step Up for Playoffs

On March 27th, the Buffalo Sabers are dealing with some frustration after a 4-3 overtime loss to the Boston Bruins.

They're holding on to the top spot in the Atlantic Division, but back-to-back losses to Boston and the Ducks have them earning points without the wins.

They crave.

To push toward the playoffs, the team needs more consistent play from key forwards Alex Touch and Josh Norris.

Touch has been strong offensively with 59 points in 69 games close to another 30-goal season.

But his defensive game has slipped lately, including a tripping penalty that cost him against Anaheim and a turnover leading to Boston's second goal.

He's capable of elite two-way hockey, and those mistakes are hurting and tie games.

Fans and analysts are pointing out Norris' quiet stretch, too, with just two points in his last nine games, despite bouncing around the lineup.

His underlying stats look solid.

The Sabers control over 60% of goals, and more than half the shots when he's on the ice, but he needs to start.

Finishing chances as their potential second line center.

Both players are crucial for the final stretch, especially with playoffs, looming where errors get magnified.

The Sabers goal-tending in-depth have kept him afloat, but without better balance from these guys, running four strong lines will be tough.

As the season winds down to his last ten games, expect Coach Lindy Ruff to lean on touch and Norris to step up and deliver the impact that turns.

Contenders into champions.

That wraps NHL News today. Brought to you with AI.

I'm Cory with the story.