EXCLUSIVE: Maxim Tsyplakov Fired Up To Play With Maxim Shabanov As Opportunity Grows
Tsyplakov is revved up to play with fellow Russian, Maxim Shabanov, when the Islanders battle the Maple Leafs on Saturday night.
Happy Free Friday, peeps.
ELMONT, NY — Not only will Maxim Tsyplakov be playing for a second straight game on Saturday night when the New York Islanders welcome the Toronto Maple Leafs to town.
But, he’ll be skating on a line with fellow countryman Maxim Shabanov, whom the Islanders signed this offseason out of the KHL.
The two played together, alongside Jean-Gabriel Pageau, in the third period of their 7-2 loss to the Utah Mammoth on Thursday.
“I thought they did well in that third period when we put them together,” Islanders head coach Patrick Roy said. “So I think playing with Pager, it’s gonna help them a lot. And I’m curious to see them, very curious. I mean, I feel like the connection is there. So we’ll see how it goes.”
Tsyplakov also found himself in the bumper spot on the second power-play unit.
Following Friday’s practice, I spoke with Tsyplakov about skating with Shabanov and more.
Stefen Rosner: You got back in the lineup yesterday, and you’re staying in the lineup. So, how good does that feel that Roy is giving you another crack at it?
Maxim Tsyplakov: “I felt great yesterday, and didn’t think about bad moves. I got good confidence and feel I’m in the game, you know? I feel game. Yeah, it was good for me, and good for future, to be in the lineup. And coach put me and Shabby together.”
Rosner: I was going to ask about that. How excited are you to play with Shabanov?
Tsyplakov: “I was waiting for this all season, probably. We just understand each other’s style. For him, a little more easier with language barrier. And for me, I can use my skills. He can use his skills. We just need to take the chances, grab this chance and be good, and build leadership.”
Rosner: You talked a lot about how you love to create. Roy was preaching for you to go North, not as much East-West. Is it hard to change the way you play?
Tsyplakov: “I need to look at what the lines are and what partners I have. If I need to play simple, I try play simple. I think everybody will see how I change my game in different situations, you know. But for sure, I’m a little bit upset about my points. Yeah, I have a couple good chances in Buffalo, probably, yeah, but I need to work harder and maybe more luck will come to my shots and passes, but you create just and believe in yourself.”
Tsyplakov has just one goal and no assists in 22 games this season, only averaging 9:48 minutes of ice time per game.
Rosner: You are on the second power-play unit. How much of a confidence boost is that?
Tsyplakov: “Yeah, for sure. My spot is more in Anders’ spot (net front). Yeah, it doesn’t matter. You guys can rotate. Yeah, doesn’t matter. It’s power play. We need to score for our team to help us win because Patrick says just, every game, we score only two goals and we need to score more. And I think because they put us together, Shabby and I,we try to generate some muffins (joke).”
Muffins: A shot that should have been stopped after wavering back and forth in the air all the way to the net.
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