Max Tsyplakov providing jolt to Islanders fourth line

The Islanders fourth line has experienced a sea change since Max Tsyplakov joined Kyle MacLean and Marc Gatcomb.Saturday’s 4-3 overtime loss to the Flames marked yet another game in which the bottom trio was one of their better forward groups, with the fourth line accounting for a pair of goals and driving play for much of the night.“They’re playing well,” coach Patrick Roy said.“Playing really well, they connect together.

That was a nice pass by Sippy on that first goal by Gatcomb and then it was another great play by Sippy on that rebound shot, Kyle put it in.“And so that line gives us that flexibility to roll four lines and have everybody fresh.That’s fun to watch them play because they’re working so hard.

They finish their checks, they play well defensively, playing a simple game.It’s perfect.”For much of the year, the Islanders struggled to find a combination that could control games in the same way their fourth line used to, but Tsyplakov — a top-sixer for much of the season — has changed the equation.The big Russian’s ability to hold onto the puck and create has opened up the game for his linemates, allowing them to get up the ice, play a physical game and get some chances.It’s not quite the same chaos-inducing game that Matt Martin, Casey Cizikas and Cal Clutterbuck had trademarked for so many years.

But it is working right now.The fourth line outshot Calgary 9-4 when on the ice on Saturday, and has consistently put up strong performances in the five games since Tsyplakov was put there.Not so coincidentally, the Islanders are on a five-game point streak.“He’s great at possessing the puck, he’s good at dishing it, too,” MacLean said of Tsyplakov after scoring a late goal to give the Isles a lead they couldn’t hang onto.

“Gats, he’s been a straight-line player.He hits and creates some space for Max.

I think we’ve been clicking pretty well playing a physical game.”Marcus Hogberg started in net for the Islanders...