Marc Gatcomb is making it difficult for Max Tsyplakov to get back into the lineup

Marc Gatcomb has been impressive since making his NY Islanders debut

Ottawa Senators v New York Islanders
Ottawa Senators v New York Islanders | Bruce Bennett/GettyImages

It seems as if each season the NY Islanders have an unexpected call-up from Bridgeport ignite the fourth line, resulting in a winning streak. The 2022-23 season saw the emergence of Hudson Fasching, last season Kyle MacLean became an NHL regular, and this season Marc Gatcomb has injected energy into this lineup.

Making his NHL debut at 25 years old, Gatcomb was having a decent year in the AHL, potting nine goals and adding eight assists on the league's worst team.

Gatcomb doesn't want to give up his spot

Recalled to replace Max Tsyplakov who was suspended three games for his hit on Ryan Poehling of the Philadelphia Flyers, Gatcomb isn't willing to give up his spot without putting up a fight.

Tsyplakov was eligible to return for the Islanders' 3-2 OT win over the Carolina Hurricanes, but Patrick Roy elected not to play the Russian rookie despite his impressive play this season

"The forwards will be the same as the last game," Roy said before puck drop. "It's hard when you win three in a row to make some changes. So, I mean, they all deserve to play, and Max understands that as well. So we're gonna go with the same forwards."

Undeterred by his minimal ice time, averaging just 8:33 per game in his five career games, Gatcomb is fourth in the NHL in hits during that time with 27 hits, trailing Casey Cizikas by two, who leads the list.

It's difficult to imagine that Roy will change his lineup for Tuesday night's matchup with the Colorado Avalanche, meaning Tsyplakov will be a healthy scratch again. He'll have his opportunity at some point, but it's hard to argue what's working.

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