Maxim Tsyplakov Skates On Islanders' Second Line After Roster Cuts

EAST MEADOW, NY -- After the New York Islanders made their first round of cuts, head coach Patrick Roy altered his lines. 

For the first time since training camp opened, Maxim Tsyplakov got a chance to skate in the top six alongside Brock Nelson and Kyle Palmieri.

When we asked if they were thinking of playing Tsyplakov in a top-six role at any point following the team's 2-0 loss to the Philadelphia Flyers on Thursday, Roy said the following:

“We’re trying Simon with the two guys, and we like our first line,” Roy said. “We might try him in other situations, and we'll go from there.”

Then, after their 5-1 win over the New Jersey Devils on Friday, Roy gave an update:

"Tsyplakov played such a great game. We might try him in a different role," Roy said. 

Tsyplakov may not have the wheels that a natural top-six forward would have, but what he lacks in speed, he makes up for with his IQ, quick passing, and stick-handling.

The expectation is that he'll get a chance to skate on the second line when the Islanders host the Flyers on Monday night at 7 PM ET. 

Tsyplakov:

Nelson:

Roy: