Beck Malenstyn Ignites Sabres’ Fourth Line: A Spark Buffalo Desperately Needed
Two weeks ago, Beck Malenstyn’s name wasn’t exactly echoing through the halls of KeyBank Center. Now? He’s not just showing up-he’s showing out.
When the Sabres traded a second-round pick to the Capitals for Malenstyn back in June, the move flew under the radar. To some, it looked like another head-scratcher from GM Kevyn Adams.
But fast forward to now, and Malenstyn is flipping that narrative on its head. In a stretch where Buffalo’s been searching for consistency, the 6-foot-3 winger has emerged as one of the team’s most impactful contributors-and it’s not just about the points.
Let’s start with the numbers. Over the last seven games, Malenstyn has notched four points (three goals, one assist), while piling up 23 hits, 15 shots on goal, and eight blocked shots. That’s the kind of stat line that screams effort and energy, and it’s coming from a player who’s embraced the gritty, grind-it-out role that every successful team needs.
But it’s not just about hustle. According to NHL EDGE data, Malenstyn ranks in the 99th percentile for max skating speed-clocking in at 24.06 mph.
That’s elite-level pace, and it’s translating into real impact on the ice. Whether he’s chasing down a puck carrier or closing in for a hit, Malenstyn brings a level of urgency that’s hard to ignore.
Head coach Lindy Ruff certainly isn’t overlooking it. He recently praised the sixth-year forward for leaning into his role, especially on the penalty kill.
“His skating, he can get there for first touch,” Ruff said. “If we need energy, he can track anybody down, get a big hit for us.
His penalty killing has been good. He’s a big part of the reason that we’re at where we’re at with our penalty killing.
Part of his penalty killing is his shot blocking, that fearless mentality. So he fits the role we have him in.”
That role? It’s tailor-made for a player like Malenstyn-fast, physical, and fearless.
His most recent goal came in Saturday’s 3-2 shootout win over a red-hot Minnesota Wild team that had won seven straight. That tally capped off a strong night for Buffalo’s fourth line, featuring Malenstyn, Peyton Krebs, and Josh Dunne. Not only did that trio open the scoring in the first period, but they consistently tilted the ice in Buffalo’s favor-something that hasn’t come easy for the Sabres’ bottom six in recent years.
Getting that kind of production from the fourth line is more than a luxury-it’s a necessity for a team still trying to find its identity. And right now, Malenstyn is helping carve one out.
Sabres Player Grades: Who’s Trending Up?
Here’s a closer look at how the rest of the roster performed in Saturday’s win, with player grades on a 1-10 scale:
Beck Malenstyn - 9
Player of the Game.
Energy, execution, and a goal to top it off. He’s doing exactly what Buffalo needs from its depth forwards-and then some.
Josh Doan - 8.5
Quietly putting together some strong performances. His vision and decision-making continue to stand out.
Noah Ostlund - 8.5
Scored the shootout winner and flashed the kind of offensive creativity the Sabres hope to see more consistently.
Peyton Krebs - 8
Has found some rhythm alongside Malenstyn. Solid two-way play and smart puck movement.
Owen Power - 8
Looking more comfortable with the puck and showing signs of offensive confidence. The Sabres need him to keep trending in this direction.
Alex Tuch - 8
Reliable as ever. Tuch brings a steady presence to the top six and continues to lead by example.
Josh Dunne - 7.5
Another fourth-liner making his minutes count. Strong forecheck and responsible positioning.
Jacob Bryson - 7.5
Clean puck movement and solid in transition. A dependable presence on the back end.
Colten Ellis - 7.5
Kept the Sabres in it early when they were flat. Deserves more starts moving forward.
Tyson Kozak - 7
Didn’t stand out offensively but played a responsible game and contributed on the penalty kill.
Bowen Byram - 7
Still finding his footing, but showed flashes of the puck-moving ability that made him such a coveted piece.
Mattias Samuelsson - 6.5
Physical and steady, though he’s had stronger nights.
Rasmus Dahlin - 6.5
Quiet by his standards. Buffalo needs him to drive offense more aggressively.
Zach Benson - 6
Had some nice moments but needs to find more consistency in the offensive zone.
Tage Thompson - 5.5
The Sabres need more from their top center. He’s had stretches of brilliance this year, but this wasn’t one of them.
Conor Timmins - 4.5
Struggled with puck decisions and positioning. Needs to tighten things up defensively.
Jason Zucker - 2
Tough night. Couldn’t get anything going and was a step behind defensively.
Jack Quinn - 2
Still trying to find his rhythm after returning from injury. The timing isn’t there yet.
Ryan McLeod - 1.5
The line with Zucker and Quinn had a rough outing, and McLeod couldn’t generate much of anything.
Buffalo’s Bottom Line Is Buzzing-But Can the Sabres Put It All Together?
The spark from Malenstyn and company is a welcome sign, but it’s also a reminder of Buffalo’s season-long struggle: inconsistency. At different points, they’ve had strong goaltending, timely scoring, and elite play from their top guys. But rarely has it all clicked at once.
The pieces are there. The effort is there. But until the Sabres start syncing up across the board-from the top line to the fourth, from the crease to the blue line-they’ll continue to hover around the .500 mark.
Quick Hits
- Owen Power is starting to show signs of life offensively, but Buffalo needs him to be more assertive, especially on the power play.
- Colten Ellis kept the Sabres in Saturday’s game early and has earned a longer leash in net.
- The Zucker-McLeod-Quinn line struggled mightily and couldn’t find any chemistry.
- Noah Ostlund continues to flash high-end offensive instincts, and his shootout goal was a beauty.
The Sabres (10-11-4) are back at it Monday night at home against the Winnipeg Jets (13-11-0). If they can bring the same energy their fourth line showed Saturday-and get a few more pieces clicking-they might just start turning the corner.