Maxim Tsyplakov Nets First Goal as Devils Fall to Flames in Tight Contest

Maxim Tsyplakov made his mark with the New Jersey Devils on Thursday, scoring his first goal as a member of the team. Unfortunately for the Devils, the achievement came in a narrow 5-4 loss to the Calgary Flames. The game showcased both the highs and lows of a team still finding its footing.

Since being traded from the Islanders on January 27, 2026, Tsyplakov has appeared in 11 games for the Devils. The trade involved a third-round pick, a sixth-round pick in 2027, and veteran Ondrej Palat, all in exchange for the 27-year-old forward. Prior to joining the Devils, Tsyplakov spent two seasons with the Islanders after going undrafted, accumulating 12 goals and 26 assists over 115 NHL games.

Tsyplakov’s goal came in the third period, a moment of relief for him after a lengthy wait. He scored off a pass from Nick Bjugstad, with the puck deflecting off a skate and past Flames goaltender Dustin Wolf. This goal not only marked a personal milestone for Tsyplakov but also represented Bjugstad’s first point as a Devil.

Despite the excitement of Tsyplakov’s goal, the Devils struggled defensively, allowing five goals in total. After the game, Jack Hughes reflected on the team’s performance, stating, “It’s hard to win when you give up five. That’s probably the story of the night….Just a frustrating loss.” This defeat marked the second consecutive loss for the Devils, who had previously enjoyed a three-game winning streak.

As the Devils continue their seven-game homestand, they have two games left to turn things around. Their next opportunity comes on Saturday against the Los Angeles Kings, where they will look to bounce back and regain their winning momentum.

Note: This recap is an independently written summary based on publicly available reporting.