3 hours ago
2
A year ago, Max Tsyplakov started out in the top six for the Islanders. Over the course of the season, his standing in the lineup slowly went downhill.
By March, he was on the fourth line, fighting for minutes amid head coach Patrick Roy’s exhortations to be more responsible with the puck, frustrated that the scoring touch that came so easily in the KHL was not translating to North American ice.
Tsyplakov now is looking to do the same, only in reverse. He started this season on the fourth line and has already been healthy-scratched six times, including four straight games before getting back in the mix for Saturday’s 5-0 win against the Rangers. The goal, eventually, is to work his way back to the point at which he started and return to the top six.
“It’s harder for me [now], I think more,” Tsyplakov told The Post in a candid conversation before Monday’s game at the Devils. “Last year, I was in the top six, I had a lot of ice time, I was on the power play. But now, I need to start at the bottom and try harder.
English (US)