61 GOALS NOT ENOUGH FOR MATT MOULSON
Big scorer does not make the cut for Team Canada
You would think that after a pair of 30-goal seasons, Matt Moulson would be a lock to be courted to play at the World Championships – even for a national team as deep in talent as Moulson’s Canada.
It appears Moulson will have to continue to prove some hockey people wrong about him. Somehow, he didn’t make Team Canada’s final list of twelve forwards that will compete over the next few weeks in Europe. This, despite only one of the twelve chosen forwards (Rick Nash, 65) scoring more goals over the last two seasons than Moulson.
Point Blank reached out to a high-ranking Team Canada official, who graciously responded via email from Prague to our inquiry about Moulson’s candidacy. “Matt was definitely on our list and he was discussed, but he was not selected for our group of twelve forwards,” the official wrote.
Here are the twelve, as chosen by Canada GM Dave Nonis and assistants Rob Blake and Bob Murray: Nash, Andrew Ladd, Cal Clutterbuck, Matt Duchene, Jordan Eberle, Evander Kane, Jeff Skinner, Jason Spezza, Chris Stewart, John Tavares, Antoine Vermette, Travis Zajac.
An impressive list, to be sure, although a few names jump out as players who have not accomplished at the NHL level the last two years what Moulson has with the Islanders. Team Canada is looking to add a forward this weekend from one of the teams eliminated from the first round of the playoffs. Meanwhile, one of the most accomplished out there doesn’t get the call. (A source close to Moulson told Point Blank, “Matt would have loved the opportunity.”)
In fairness to Team Canada, Nonis and his lieutenants are charged with fielding a complete roster that combines talent, grit and the ability to do “the little things.” In recent years, the organization has chosen to go young, which would explain the presence of super-skilled lads like Eberle and Kane. But Moulson is only 27 years old.
Moulson, from North York, Ontario, scored a combined 61 goals over the last two years. Among the chosen wings, the effectively-irritating Clutterbuck had 32, the well-respected Ladd had 46. The Canadian roster has seven centers, including Vermette (a combined 46 goals the last two seasons), the still-raw Kane (33) and the inconsistent Zajac (38). In exhibition games so far, Vermette and others are playing the wing.
“Like anything of this nature, the selection process can be a little political,” an NHL general manager told Point Blank. “I think it’s a decent roster and you can make a case for some of the iffy choices. (Head coach) Ken Hitchcock might be comfortable with Vermette, who he worked with in Columbus. But Moulson’s goal-scoring the last two years is pretty tough to ignore. He and Tavares could have stuck together at the Worlds and gone on a scoring spree. You know a kid like Moulson would have played his ass off to take advantage of the opportunity, while I’m not so sure about some of the veterans they picked.”
Moulson has come a long way, just apparently not far enough in the eyes of Team Canada. Is this a big deal? Not really. In the long run, it could be for the best. Moulson, who has not missed a game in his two years as an Islander, can retain his health instead of playing in a tournament of debatable importance. And he has been at his best when playing with a chip on his shoulder.
Also: Congratulations to Dwayne Roloson, Sean Bergenheim and Nate Thompson on their major contributions to Tampa Bay’s stirring seven-game victory over the Pittsburgh Penguins.
And there’s our annual one-and-only story on the World Championships. Stay healthy, my friends. Comments on Matt Moulson and the Tampa Trio are encouraged.
74 Responses to 61 GOALS NOT ENOUGH FOR MATT MOULSON
Big scorer does not make the cut for Team Canada
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mike says:
props to MAB and Eric Brewer as well!
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BIGSAVE77 says:
I am canadian and we take everything hockey very seriously up here but Moulson should of been a lock for this team. He is everything we look for in a canadian hockey player take hits, score the dirty goals and play your a$$ off. He does just that and I am very gratefull Garth picked him up and resigned him because he might just be the final spark plug to get into the playoffs next year. Hockey Canada made a mistake on this one.
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i think he got short changed. 2-30 goal seasons isn’t enough? Come on. He should have at least been given a tryout
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ben c. says:
Cal Clutterbuck? Really?
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James "Your Honor" says:
Matt and John have great chemistry, and that is why they scored 60 goals this year playing on the same line. Having players that are familiar with each other would have given Canada a big advantage since many of the top players are still playing. Especially two players that are goal scorers. I guess I should be grateful for this decision because it will help Montoya and the US if they meet in the later rounds.
Also, Bergenheim with the winning goal and Roli with the shutout in a game 7. Too bad they didn’t get the chance to do it in blue and orange.
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barney stinson says:
I was so happy when Bergenheim scored that goal. Glad to see some (5 total in Tampa) former Islanders doing well after dealing with the circus that is the Islanders.
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Matt C says:
Look Folks, Canada has the DEEPEST possible selection for guys from whom to pick to represent them. Nonis selected a young and talented squad. Would Moulson have been a great selection; absolutely, but Nonis and Co. had their reasons.
What I find curious is why spend only one post on Worlds and NOT focus on the 7 Islanders selected to represent their respective nations: Tavares (2nd selection, CAN), Joensuu (1st selection, FIN), Anders Nilsson (1st selection, SWE), Milan Jurcina (1st selection as an Islander, SLK), Radek Martinek (CZE), and Evgeni Nabokov (RUS) (look, hatred for Nabokov aside, he’s under contract with the Islanders and is at Worlds, why not discuss what this means to his trade value?).
Furthermore the US coach is former Head Coach Scott Gordon. Had the team not intervened Mark Streit (SUI) and probably Frans Neilsen (DNK) would’ve been selected.
Why spend your one post essentially whining about Moulson’s snub? Matt’s a great player, and probably SHOULD have been selected, but come on…7 Representatives, it’s impressive…The Thrashers and Devils have an impressive number as well, past that the number of NHLers drops off a cliff!
Because having a bunch of guys in a tournament for players, most whose teams did not make the playoffs, is simply just not a big deal? CB
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Strummer's Army says:
1) PIT BEING ELIMINATED IS JUST WONDERFUL NEWS! Wait for Mario’s next hisey fit. The fact former Isles played a major part is great!
2) Can made a major mistake. As Botta wrote, he and Tavares would have instantly had the chemistry and ability to score that sometimes guys never ever find together in these types of international play. He has certainly out performed many of the guys who did make it. Notice some of the Canada Brass has Kings connections, perhaps it is a sore subject in LA to have never given Matt a chance since few guys on their roster have out produced him the past two years.
Excited for CB’s draft previews.
How fantastic would Dougie Hamilton be added to this young core? WOW!
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Eric C. says:
I think Moulson has been a terrific player for the Isles the past two season and if the Isles are to be successful they need him to keep lighting the lamp. With that said I cannot argue their decision to not select Moulson. I watch his play sometimes and I’m amazed he is able to score 30 goals a season. He is terrible in his own end and does not move well. Watching the NHL playoffs I fear he would struggle to add offense as the games gets much tighter defensively and he does not add much if he isn’t scoring.
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MM still has to prove people wrong…oh well, us Isles fans appreciate him!
Glad Lightning won, I was really happy for Roloson…he’s too intense, I love it. I still think Nate Thompson is overrated.
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Mike P says:
To be honest, I dont want any of our guy’s playing in any of these tourney’s. Don’t want any unnecessary injuries. The real trophy to chase is the cup, not some world championship that is no big deal. Only the olympics are almost as important as the cup. I just pray all our guy’s playing in this stupid thing dont get hurt.
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isles72 says:
the royal wedding and canadian election interests me more than this ridiculously ill advised timing yearly tournament.
if the organizers of this tourney had any clue they would hold this tourney every 4 years like the Olympics , perhaps in August before nhl camps open so that it doesnt disturb the nhl season and wets the appetite of hockey fans in a mid august tourney .
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Matt says:
With the Isles luck it is better off that he doesn’t play in the tourney and then blow out a knee or shoulder.
He certainly deserves to be on that team but from a selfish fans point of view, i’m relieved.
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quez says:
File this one under “DUH”. Of course, Mighty Matt deserved the selection, but given our penchant for untimely serious injuries, it’s probably for the best. We have enough participants in this tourney to worry about. Ah…but it would be interesting to see what beautiful music a Moulson – Tavares – Nash line would have made.
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I find your answer to #8 a bit strange since you’re actually contradicting yourself there. Why bother with a large article if the tournament is “not a big deal” and only for players not making the playoffs?
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Fred says:
Man, is he getting Maruisz Czerkawski’d?
The Golden Moulson is alright in my book, too bad he didn’t get to prove himself on the world’s stage. I wonder if there’s an injury or something if he can go? Not wishing anyone bad luck, but it’d be nice for Matt to catch a break after all his hard work.
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Kaszycki's Krew says:
I hope Moulson NEVER MAKES THIS TEAM IN THE FUTURE GOING FORWARD……because the Islanders season is still going on and he is NOT AVAILABLE. Hey, if Canada loses – then que sera…..but being objective – tis a tough decision. I am quite happy to have Matt back in N America working out getting ready for next season and showing CAN brass they screwed up.
Also, saying a prayer that none of our guys get hurt.
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Brian G says:
I’m sure Snow loves all of the praise for picking up Grabner….but what about waiving Thompson & Non tendering Bergenheim…..some dumb moves by Snow.
Also the Roloson trade, he could not get a little bit more back than Wishart. Everyone during the telecast of the game last night was praising Yzerman for stealing him from the Isles…..just some food for thought… Will Snow make a meaningful trade this summer or just wait for another GM to throw him a bone, like the Wiznewski trade for a 3rd round pick….He has not made a good trade since the Ryan Smyth trade, except trading players for draft picks….time to get some meaningful players that can contribute now, not prospects that might be something in 4 years…. -
gary91922 says:
Better for him and the team… keep that “No Respect”, “I’ll Show Them” fire in his belly…
I beleive a scout texted CB something about “Not sure how Moulson does it, but he puts it in the net”
Matt, if you read this post – Shove it up their collective a$$es and light it up 35 times next year, help the team win a round or two in the playoffs and EARN their respect!!!!
Then you can tell them to SIT ON IT AND SPIN!!!!!
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Oye Comeau Va says:
Yes, based on talent and accomplishments he should’ve been named over half of these forwards. Feel for him but at least he has more time to focus on building on the past 2 years. More to prove next season I guess. Hope this gives him the chip on his shoulder to continue his great play.
Matt C- I don’t care about any of those other selections except Tavares & Jurcina. The rest are technically not on the Islanders. Martinek (UFA), Joensuu (RFA), Nilsson (not under contract), and Nabakov (suspended) are not in any plans to help this team next season.
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admin says:
(16) Swedish Islander: Not a long story at all. About 500 words and it took 5 minutes to write. LOL.
This says a lot about this wacky tournament: you have guys playing for European teams who have played more in the AHL recently than NHL. While Moulson can’t crack a deep Canadian team, the USA has on one of their top three lines Chris Kreider, a good prospect who plays at Boston College…CB
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Jim Clark says: Golden Moulson deserves it but deciding team rosters is hard. Let’s hope none of our players get injured in this meaningless tournament. Keep the fire and you’ll make the 2014 Olympic team, Matt (if Bettman allows it).
In the battle of former Islander defensemen, Chara’s team advances while Wisniewski’s attendre l’annee prochaine.
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Staten Islander says:
Lets hope that we’re not having this discussion next year because the Isles are in the playoffs. JT got hurt there last year, I’m kind of wishing he’d have decided to stay home this year. That said, I can’t believe that they didn’t jump at a chance to take a duo that produced 60 goals this year.
The Tampa 3, glad they all played big roles. Rollie deserves another long run, and we all knew he was a stop gap guy who would probably get traded. Bergie, I’m glad he’s thriving there, but the way I look at it, we replaced him with Grabner. The one that I really wish we had held onto was Thompson. He was lost when they tried to sneak him thru waivers because at the time they were carrying 3 goalies. Too bad they didn’t try to do that with Sim instead of him.
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Tony says:
Not making the Canadian team is nothing for Matt to hang his head about.
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streit02 says:
Dont think this is a big deal. Numbers dont lie, but I dont think Moulson brings much else to the table other than being good in the “paint”. They want to grow young and the veterans they selected are more talented than Moulson regardless of their #’s. Of course you can make a strong case for him against some like Vermette and Zajac, but thats how it goes sometimes. I just want to see Tavares playing with Nash and see what he can really do. Hopefully he’ll get that chance.
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20: how did Yzerman steal Roloson? I’d say that’s a pretty even trade and a nice job by both young GM’s. Wishart is a towering defender, a first round draft pick, and in case you haven’t noticed… the Islanders are in desperate need of quality defensemen. Wishart may develop into a hallmark of the Isles blue line.
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StevieL says:
Really who cares! Moulson is better sitting at home resting. This is like the NIT vs. the NCAA hoops tournament. It should be the last Tourney any pro wants to play in! It just means that you and your team weren’t good enough to play for the real prize, the Stanley Cup!
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Dan says:
Amazing to see Bergy get the game winner and series winning goal.
Only from an ex Islander………….
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Rich says:
Canada may also be looking for forwards with better skating ability to take advantage of the larger European ice surfaces.
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shlo says:
Canada’s loss. Waiting to hear the excuses if they don’t win it all.
Happy for Rolo. Great guy. Most of ex isles are doing well on other teams. Question of style and chemistry. Good for them.
We’ll be OK in couple of years. -
Islesfan_in_Vancouver says:
#20
a number of years ago the flames were made fun of for trading Niewendyk for a prospect named Jerome Iginla. Not saying this is at all the same level, but I think it’s a little early to be claiming Snow made a mistake moving Roloson and letting Bergie go. Let’s face it, there’s no room for Bergie on this team with Comeau scoring 24 goals as a third line winger and Roloson is 41. He’s going to play what, maybe 1-2 more seasons if that? If Tampa had lost game 7 last night then do people made those comments?
Most people can only look at the now, but when you’re building a hockey team if you do the same you end up like Mike Milbury.
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Paul says:
I think Eberle has like a lifetime invitation to play on Team Canada…
But yeah, guys like Clutterbuck, Stewart, Vermette are really iffy picks over Moulson.
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Winning says:
Roleson n wiz were traded to save 2 million dollars not to pick up a #7 defensmen and draft pick. Losets lose and winners win.
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Bob E says:
you cant tell me you are suprised by this. International games favor strong skater. While Moulson is great goal scorer, he definately benefits from playing john tavares and significant playing time for being on isles top line.
I love matty, Team canada is not easy roster to crack. If he was american, no doubt he would be on Team USA.
Tampa for cup. Contracts to Rollie and Bergie.
our time is next year. LETS GO ISLES. -
Winning- Part of Roloson and Wiz being traded were to save $ but more important was getting some value back. Snow traded 2 pending UFAs for a 2nd round pick, 5th round pick, and a 22 year old 6’4”, 222 lb D prospect. Roloson had no chance of coming back next season and Wiz was a slim to none chance.
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Numbers65 in Ohio says:
Vermette on wing?!?! Notice my location- Columbus, Oh. I cannot believe that they picked him over super consistant heart and soul Moulson. I like Vermette, but this was certainly a dissappointing year for him, a step back. He went from 27-38-65 to 19-28-47 playing all 82 games both years. I guess it must be a Hitchism.
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SCLI says:
I prefer our players stay home and rest. Be healthy and ready for next season. I love MM, we need him and he’s a vital piece to our team but he is kinda ONE dimensional. I’m happy he’s coming home. As for Tampa’s victory over Pittsburgh. Congratulations to Tampa, Rollie, Nate and Sean. As for the Penguins. Couldn’t happen to to a more deserving bunch of guys! Enjoy your summer Boys. Shut out in game SEVEN at home? Nice job! Can’t wait to kick your butts again next season.
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CB… SORRY for post #2..
trade was a smart idea… the isles recognized that in their best interst (money and future) wa to dump Rolo and Wiz..
#5 pick, Wiz, etc.. was a good move.. If we salary dump next year then it’s a MAJOR issue…
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Kbelanger33 says:
With all the snubs, no Tavares for All Star Game, now this, and probably a few more that i am forgetting, we can only hope that it works in this teams advantage and makes them hungry and want to prove a point to the rest of this league. Just go out and win!
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Sorry for second post, but a big shout out for the Islanders SOUTH! Congrats to the three Tampa players you mentioned CB. They are three guys that I even love with the Isles. Great role players where ever they are. I hope they are the team in the end representing the east. Very happy for them.
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Rollie = CUP?!?!?!? We’ll see… look at this guys playoff history. A true hero we know so well. Go Rollie! (Rick taught him everything he knows- a joke lol)
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Cal Cluster*uck!?!?!? What a joke! insult to injury when taking his flop into account that cost gillies a suspension.
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isles71 says:
Cal Clutterbuck is sooo much better than Matt Moulson(sarcasism). No worries, less chance for an injury. Was wonderful to see Sean Bergenheim grow up into the player many of us hoped he would be. Roli was spectacular and Nate/Brewer pretty darn good as well. Good luck the rest of the way…Nashville vs Tampa in the Cup
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Jzimm says:
It depends on what kind of team the coach wanted. If he wants a quicker skating team, Moulson doesn’t really fit that mold. This isn’t really worth getting upset over. After all, it’s only the World Championships.
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Their loss, Matty would have scored some timely goals for sure. Everything else is B.S., the guy gets paid to score…and he does! Score is tied with 1 min left, who would you rather have around the net Moulson or Vermette? No worries Matt, you are #1 with us!
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Joe says:
“Because having a bunch of guys in a tournament for players, most whose teams did not make the playoffs, is simply just not a big deal? CB”
Then don’t write about the tourney at all? I see what Commenter 8 is saying. You should write a post about Tavares or any of the Islanders in the tournament, instead of the 1 that got cut. But this is the first bone I’ve ever picked with CB, so whatever. It is a shame that Moulson didn’t make it, but I’m happy 7 Islanders did!
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Stumpy32 says:
Honestly, at the rate our guys get hurt, the less games played in the offseason, the better. Its certainly a snub, and I’m sure MM is upset with the decision, but I can’t complain that one of our biggest pieces isn’t playing a grueling tournament in May.
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orson welles says:
Yes, congrats to Dwayne and Sean and Nate, BUT:
It has to be pointed out: one: as was said by many, Snow was in the driver’s seat re: trading Roloson. Yzerman obviously, and correctly, felt Roloson was the missing piece and for the missing piece you pay extra. An extra third-rounder, for starters.
And on Bergenheim: as has been said many times: it’s ridiculous the Islanders couldn’t find a way, after how many years?, to make Bergenheim an effective player, an effective piece of their own team. He has the skills and the Isles simply made virtually no use of them. -
Hishutzi Skorz says:
Brian G #20:
Yep, non-tendering Bergy sure was a “dumb move.” What good did it do besides open up a roster spot for Grabner?
As for Thompson, I personally like the guy and believe he offers more than the guy who took his spot…Konopka, although I say so at the risk of being branded a heretic by many of this board’s readers!
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Josh says:
If Moulson played for any Canadian team, he’d be a shoe-in.
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Cold Spring Harbor says:
Tampa Bay is Long Island South. More of our former players have contributed to their current team’s playoff efforts than we can count. Clutterbuck?
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Tony says:
Tampa winning for me was a catch 22 situation. I hate the Pens and want Roli to do well, but I also dislike Tampa because I think they have tanked on purpose the last few years in order to get a better draft pick.
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Battfist says:
Us Islander fans know Moulson worth to our squad.
Everything is political. Moulson should of been one of the 12.
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Sumo Goalie says:
No story here. That is a solid list. No significant difference between Moulson and any of those guys.
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Frans Dish says:
Love seeing Bergenheim having success over there. Not upset one bit that we got rid of him. I think he’s a much better fit over there and playing with more experienced players helps the cause.
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AFIsle says:
man that would of been great for mm and jt. they both could of played with another talented forward and we would see what adding real talent can do for our first line.
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KO21 says:
This is absolute BS
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UIF says:
I think it partly comes down to what that scout told you, CB…no one really knows how Moulson does it. He’s a tough player to sum up…not great on the boards, not a great shot, not fast…maybe they look at some video, say, “meh,” and move on.
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IslanderFAN says:
is this a joke?? Cal Clutterbuck over Matt Moulson….like the Miz would say “really..really…really”, i’ve stop trying to figured out the NHL or Team Canada.
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Mike from Sarasota says:
I doubt Clutterbuck and Moulson were vying for the same roster spot. Team Canada does not take the 12 highest scoring forwards to fill out the four lines. They take players to fill roles. Clutterbuck will play on one of the bottom two lines. Moulson, had he been selected, would play on a scoring line. He likely would have replaced one of Eberle, Kane or Skinner. Looks like they went with the youth.
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vrinqueens says:
A little political?, Now that’s funny who would’ve thought… Clutterbuck & Zajac DO NOT deserve to go over Matty.
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corey says: As a USA fan I say great, they didnt add a great player, and now they will be a weaker team (still good though). On the other hand, as an Islanders fan I am dissapointed. Tavares was dominant last year in the tournament, and having Moulson on a line with him would be great.
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Glens says:
#56 Really no differnce,with the exception of Nash (65)goals not one player on the team scored more in the last two years. IMHO I could give a ???? about this tournament but for the players its a big deal to pla for there country.
As in my opinoin this should be the only time pro’s represent there countries. The Olympics should go back to amatuers end of story. -
Helene M. Schneider says:
Dissing Marvelous Matt just goes hand in hand with all the dissing we get on the ice. Or could it be sour grapes from team Can that we have JT and they don’t. Hmmm? Stay home Matt, stay healthy, come in next year breathing fire.
Was yelling “Rolli, Rolli” all night. Glad he has a chance for the Cup.
For some reason, Bergie just never achieved here – glad he’s on a line that Too damn many players in Cup run that used to wear the Blue and Orange. Oh well, as the famous Lippy Deroacher said “Wait till next year”!!! -
Islanders BIAS in FULL EFFECT HERE!
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Mike in Wantagh says:
As an Islesnder Fan…I think this is Good News. Now Moulson will have a new motivation to prove his critics wrong. I guess next season he’ll need 35 Goals, an All Star game Appearance and a First Round Playoff Victory. SOUNDS GOOD TO ME!!!
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Daniel says:
Good for the guys down in Tampa now. They are all tremendous competitors and their hard work has paid off. I wish them all the best in the next round. As for Moulson, he clearly gets no respect because he is on a team that does not get much respect. Tavares is Canada’s golden boy so he doesn’t count much. As the Islanders continue to progress I am sure each year we will see more of our players representing their teams. Moulson definitely deserved it, but what can you do? He can stay healthy and relax a little after another great season.
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JT says:
Good for Bergy. Gives 100%. He’s was a class act when my kids and I met him at the Coli after a game in which he played. He signed their jerseys and took pics with them. Very gracious.
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islebethere4u says:
Good for Bergie!Good for Nate. Nice things happen to good people. Congrats on an awesome game 7 and series to Rollie. Matt, don’t take it bad, just remember it come next season. Pens and Rags out early. Even better!!!
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potvinscupsastoria says:
I don’t want to hear anyone say there’s no anti-Islander bias in the hockey world–nonsense! his is another case-in-point!
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I just saw the line up for Canada and John Tavares is on the 4th line?? unbelieveable!!
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Well it didnt mean a thing starting on the 4th line….John Tavares is playing a lot today and he’s the best player on the ice 1 goal and 1 assist, him and Jeff Skinner make a great duo.
That explains why youth hockey is so screwed up…when the same favoritism, nepotism and all those isms are allowed at the highest levels its no wonder why its also
allowed on the lower ones. This league better get its act together…..As exciting as the games have been this politic is affecting the game and affecting my love for it. Whatever happened to rewarding the most worthy? If this is the way it is well….then
Lets Go Mets!!!!