For the first time in years, the New York Islanders feel alive. Not competitive in a grind-it-out way. Alive in a way that pulls you forward in your seat. Since

Patrick Roy has said again and again over the past 10 days that Max Tsyplakov’s latest stint on the bench isn’t a problem of the forward’s own making.

The Islanders are on pace for 102 points and sit second in the East. The standings can shift quickly, though, and prudence may be wise.

The Islanders have played bend-don’t-break hockey since Bo Horvat went down with an injury. They finally broke in the third period Tuesday, ceding a one-goal lead they’d hung onto for most of the night by the skin of their teeth and losing a 3-2 decision to the Red Wings on Alex DeBrincat’s late power-play winner.

When he returned to the Islanders lineup nearly two weeks ago for the first time since the second game of the season, the assumption was it would be temporary.

The Islanders are in Detroit for a one-off trip before coming back to New York for a back-to-back. With a rare off day during a semi-breather in their schedule, there was no practice on Monday, but today’s morning skate revealed one lineup concern: Mat Barzal is a game-time decision.

With Barzal sidelined, Tsyplakov could jump into a top-six role. A chance to prove his worth after three games as a healthy scratch.