TSYPLAKOV IN FOR SHABANOV
Max Tsyplakov is expected to draw into the lineup for the first time since Jan. 10 in Minnesota. Max Shabanov is expected to come out of the lineup in a corresponding move.
Tsyplakov took line rushes with Cal Ritchie and Emil Heineman, as Head Coach Patrick Roy looks to put the Russian forward in a position to unlock his offensive game. After recording 35 points (10G, 25A) in 77 games last season, Tsyplakov has one goal in 24 games to start this season.
"I want him to play his game," Roy said. "He's a guy that will bring pucks to the net, a guy that plays really well defensively. To me, that's his DNA, and I want him to play that game. I don't need him to be like fancy with the puck. I know he will, which is fine with me at times, but what I really want to see with him is net presence. I mean, do a great job in the D zone and stuff like this and I know he can do it."
LEE REFLECTS ON 300TH GOAL
Anders Lee scored a milestone goal on Saturday afternoon, becoming the fifth player in Islanders history to net 300 goals with the franchise, joining Mike Bossy (573), Bryan Trottier (500), Denis Potvin (310) and Clark Gillies (304).
"It's very special," Lee said. "I've been fortunate enough to be here a long time and to play with a lot of great players who have found me in a lot of spots and allowed me to score those goals. Very grateful for that and my time here, and just never would have thought joining this team all those years ago to get to that point. So it's pretty special for me, and very grateful to have shared it with the boys."
GATCOMB ON PLAYING IN VANCOUVER
It's not quite a homecoming, but Monday's game might have a little extra meaning for Marc Gatcomb. The Islanders forward spent two years in the Canucks organization playing in Abbotsford, but did not play an NHL game with Vancouver. Monday would mark his first game in Rogers Arena as an NHLer.
"You know, the city here is awesome. It's very pretty, driving in the rink, see the mountains, stuff like that," Gatcomb said. "I still have a bunch of close friends on the other team that I stay in touch with pretty frequently. So catch up with them tonight, grab dinner, but yeah, it's good to be back."
