Maxim Tsyplakov reflects on first year with NY Islanders, Patrick Roy and greasy food

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. “They told me they saw me with Palmieri and Nelson,” he explained. “At first I didn’t believe it, but then I was really playing on that line.” He scored in his first NHL game, but adjusting to the style was tough. “It’s more direct, everything forward. At first it felt robotic compared to Russia,” he admitted.

Life in North America also brought unexpected challenges. “American food is so greasy,” Tsyplakov laughed. “In Moscow, you get small portions; in New York, they bring a bucket of salad.” He admitted missing buckwheat and dumplings, making trips to Brighton Beach for Russian groceries with his wife, who also had to adapt without knowing English at first.

Discipline under Lou Lamoriello also stood out. Tsyplakov was fined $15,000 for his January suspension against Philadelphia and another $500 for small locker room missteps. “It stings,” he said, though he respected Lou’s structure. Matt Martin helped him learn who to fight and who not to, while Ilya Sorokin “sold him out” for blasting music in the locker room.

Patrick Roy’s intensity also made an impression. After a late-period mistake, Roy barked: “No risks in the last five minutes — just dump it in.” For Tsyplakov, it was a crash course in accountability — and what it means to play Islanders hockey.

With support from veterans, along with his Russian teammates Ilya Sorokin, Alexander Romanov, and Semyon Varlamov, Tsyplakov said his transition became easier. He admitted his English is still a work in progress, but he forced himself to speak more with teammates to adapt.

Islanders fans know Year 1 was about adjustment, but Year 2 will be about impact. With more confidence and comfort in his new surroundings, Tsyplakov looks ready to show why the Islanders believed in him from the start.