Buffalo Sabres vs. New York Islanders - News - December 23, 2024 | FOX Sports

Hudson Fasching - Gaining foothold in lineup Fasching has played in nine of the Islanders' last 12 games dating back to Nov. 29.

Impact The 29-year-old doesn't have a point in that span, but it appears he's gained a little trust to play over Matt Martin or Pierre Engvall on a regular basis. Fasching has zero points through 14 contests, and he's added just three shots on net, seven hits, two blocked shots, two PIM and a minus-5 rating. He had a combined 33 points over 94 contests across his first two seasons with the Islanders, but a smaller role this year is hurting his production.

DECEMBER 24, 2024 • ROTOWIRE

Anthony Duclair - Helpers in consecutive contests Duclair logged an assist and went minus-2 in Monday's 7-1 loss to the Sabres.

Impact Duclair has a helper in each of his two games since he returned from a long-term lower-body injury. He's been on the second line and isn't currently seeing power-play time, so that will need to change to keep his offense sustainable. The winger has five points, nine shots on net and a minus-3 rating over seven appearances this season.

DECEMBER 24, 2024 • ROTOWIRE

Jacob Bryson - Snags helper in win Bryson notched an assist, three blocked shots and a plus-2 rating in Monday's 7-1 win over the Islanders.

Impact Bryson was in the lineup for a second straight game after being scratched in four of five contests from Dec. 11-20. The 27-year-old ended his 13-game drought when he assisted on a Beck Malenstyn goal in the first period. Bryson looks to be in competition with Dennis Gilbert for the left side of the third pairing, but both could end up out of the lineup when Owen Power or Bowen Byram play on their natural side and Henri Jokiharju is in action, as the Sabres are carrying six lefties on defense.

DECEMBER 24, 2024 • ROTOWIRE

Ryan McLeod - Ends dry spell with helper McLeod notched an assist and two PIM in Monday's 7-1 win over the Islanders.

Impact McLeod ended a four-game slump with the helper. The 25-year-old forward has four assists over his last eight outings, but he hasn't scored a goal since Nov. 16. The center has 16 points, 32 shots on net and a plus-2 rating over 35 appearances, featuring primarily in the Sabres' bottom six. Despite the recent slowdown on offense, he remains on pace to surpass the career-high 30 points he produced with the Oilers in the 2023-24 regular season.

DECEMBER 24, 2024 • ROTOWIRE

Zach Benson - Finds twine in win Benson scored a goal on two shots in Monday's 7-1 win over the Islanders.

Impact Benson briefly took a turn on the top line earlier in the month, but he's since returned to middle-six duties. The 19-year-old has two goals and five helpers over his last 11 outings. For the season, Benson is up to five goals, 11 points, 41 shots on net, 30 PIM and a minus-6 rating across 29 contests. He's young enough to have some upside in deep redraft formats, but his highest fantasy value comes in dynasty.

DECEMBER 24, 2024 • ROTOWIRE

Beck Malenstyn - Scores in blowout win Malenstyn scored a goal, added three hits and blocked two shots in Monday's 7-1 win over the Islanders.

Impact The Sabres ended a 13-game skid, and it was Malenstyn's goal at 2:07 of the first period that got the party started. He snapped his personal six-game slump with the goal. The 26-year-old forward has been a fixture on the fourth line this season, producing seven points, 31 shots on net, 31 blocked shots, 88 hits, 15 PIM and a minus-1 rating through 35 appearances.

DECEMBER 24, 2024 • ROTOWIRE

Islanders Season of Giving | New York Islanders Islanders Season of Giving

DECEMBER 24, 2024 • NHL.COM