Josh Norris leaves Lindy Ruff with a Game 7 problem after cheating controversy

The Buffalo Sabres won 8-3, tied the series 3-3, and still walked out of Montreal with a controversy stuck to their sweater.

The flashpoint was Norris drawing a double minor on Mike Matheson after stick contact near the helmet and face area.

Buffalo turned that sequence into the swing point of Game 6, then leaned on its power play while Montreal's bench lost its edge.

That is where this becomes bigger than one call. Norris has 3 points in 9 playoff games, but his most-discussed contribution now is the penalty he drew.

The clip shows Norris going down hard, then working at his mouth as the building reacts and the officials sort out the damage.

This is Ruff's problem now. He doesn't need to defend the theater, but he does need Norris ready for the noise in Buffalo.

Norris had 13 goals and 21 assists in 44 regular-season games, so the Sabres know there is more offense there than this series has shown.

But Game 7 will not be played in a quiet room. Montreal will chase every borderline call, every faceoff bump, every post-whistle exchange.

Buffalo finished 50-23-9 and went 26-10-5 at home, which gives Ruff the matchup edge and last change.

The Sabres also got the high-end push they needed in Game 6, with Rasmus Dahlin posting 5 points and Tage Thompson driving the top of the lineup.

Norris should not be the story if Buffalo advances. His job is to win draws, support the middle, and stay away from the spotlight.

The controversy gave Buffalo a win. Now it gives Montreal fuel.

Game 7 will test whether Norris can absorb the heat without dragging Ruff's bench into another discipline fight.