After serving as a healthy scratch the last three games, Wahlstrom is coming back into the lineup with Barzal out hurt.

BUFFALO -- It seems like every time Oliver Wahlstrom gets reinserted into the New York Islanders' lineup, we say it's his last chance to prove his worth.

But then something happens, whether it be an injury or someone else struggling, that gives the former 11th overall pick in 2018 another shot. 

It's become clear, and it has been clear for the last few seasons, that if the now 24-year-old was going to succeed in the lineup, it would be in a top-six role, given his goal-scoring potential.

But, with the Anthony Duclair and Maxim Tsyplakov signings, Wahlstrom's only chance in what was a healthy lineup to start the 2024-25 season was on the fourth line.

During his stint with Kyle MacLean and a revolving left winger, Wahlstrom struggled to show off his shot and play the physical forechecking game necessary to stay there.

After getting a chance on the third line with Anders Lee and Jean-Gabriel Pageau in their 4-3 overtime win against the New Jersey Devils, his best showing of the season, Wahlstrom hit the scratch house, lasting them for three games as the Islanders fell in regulation in all of them.

At practice, Wahlstrom was skating as the extra defenseman with Matt Martin, with Alexander Romanov banged up.

However, with Mathew Barzal heading back to Long Island to get his upper-body injury evaluated, Roy is bringing him back into the fold. 

Against the Buffalo Sabres, he'll skate on the fourth line with Kyle MacLean and Pierre Engvall.

While that might not be a line that allows Wahlstrom to show off the offense, Roy said he will get power play time. 

"Wahlstrom's going to be on the power play now, so he's getting his opportunity to make his mark," Roy said. "He's been in and out of the lineup. I feel like right now, it's his chance for him to show it to me and force me to put him in the lineup. 

"Hopefully, the power play will create some spark in his game and help him get to the level at which we would love to see him."

Wahlstrom has no points in six games with three shots on goal, averaging 9:39 minutes per game.