Max Tsyplakov, Islanders rookie KHL import, shines in NHL debut

DALLAS — Max Tsyplakov didn’t take a rookie lap before his NHL debut on Thursday night, and he didn’t look much like a rookie once the game got underway, either.The 26-year-old had impressed throughout the preseason after arriving from the KHL, but the question of how quickly he would adjust to the NHL game remained heading into opening night.Tsyplakov answered by scoring a goal, dishing out six hits, skating more minutes than any Islanders forward other than Mathew Barzal and playing an all-around solid game as the Isles lost 5-4 to Utah HC.There were a host of reasons for concern from this game, in which neither special teams unit impressed and in which the Islanders looked disconnected for long stretches at five-on-five.

Tsyplakov, though, appeared to get more comfortable with his linemates as the night went on and could count the night as a success, a vital positive for the Islanders, who are depending on him to be a key contributor right away.“I try to battle, a lot of hits,” Tsyplakov said.“And I feel good.

All good.”Tsyplakov’s goal off the rush, which put the Islanders up 4-3 with 2:07 remaining, was all set to be the lead story from the game, for all of a minute.Instead, the Islanders quickly let up the tying goal to Josh Doan and lost in overtime, relegating what would have been a game-winning goal from their debutant to an afterthought amid the wreckage.Still, the goal itself was a play that showed off Tsyplakov’s maturity, as he sunk in behind the rush to take Brock Nelson’s feed before displaying a quick release in beating Connor Ingram.“We saw sometimes going in the zone, pulling back, looking for the third man high,” Anthony Duclair said.

“Making those little plays where you feel like he’s already played in the NHL before.Looking forward to a really good season from him.”Tsyplakov was amongst the most impressive performers throughout camp and the preseason, playing his way onto the second line after Roy started him fu...