Maxim Tsyplakov’s first year with the New York Islanders had it all: the thrill of scoring in his debut, the frustration of suspensions, the lessons of Lou Lamoriello’s discipline, and the fiery demands of Patrick Roy. In a wide-ranging interview with The Slippery Ice, (and translation help via The Hockey News) the Russian winger gave fans a behind-the-scenes look at his rookie season.
Tsyplakov said he chose the Islanders over other NHL offers because he believed he’d get a real chance to play.