Alumni In The Pros - October 2009

[David Harding]

It's October now...

[Trotsky]

Moulson opens the season on a line with Tavares and Okposo.

[kingpin248]

Moulson assists on Tavares's first NHL goal!

[cbuckser]

Through two periods, Matt does not look the least bit out of place on that line with Kyle Okposo and John Tavares.  He is creating as any offensive chances as his linemates, and he is playing well defensively, too.

[ftyuv]

Bitz is on the second PK line. I can't remember if he was there in the last game.

[Flyers1037]

Just heard that O'Byrne left tonight with an injury.  Only caught the news flipping through center ice channels.

[David Harding]

From the Montreal Gazette

Montreal was fortunate to be tied 1-1 after two periods. They were outshot 23-14 and were literally playing shorthanded after Ryan O'Byrne (lower body) left the game after the first period and Glen Metropolit (upper body) exited midway through the second. Metropolit and O'Byrne were both in the dressing room and both accompsnied [sic] the team to Calgary where they will be evaluated Sunday.

[adamw]

That was awesome seeing Moulson out there tonight with that top line.  As an Isles fan, happy to see Moulson on my team.

Isles keep giving this line a chance together, and good things will happen ... Moulson's never gonna be a burner, but he's always had awesome hands, he's in great shape, knows where to go - and will be a great complement to that line of two high No. 1 picks. ... I hope that line stays intact for a while. ... And who else does as intelligent/humorous between periods interview than an Ivy Leaguer?

First time I've felt hopeful in about five years. Now, Town of Hempstead, stop dicking around and give the Islanders what they want fer crissakes!!

[cbuckser]

[quote adamw]That was awesome seeing Moulson out there tonight with that top line.  As an Isles fan, happy to see Moulson on my team.

Isles keep giving this line a chance together, and good things will happen ... Moulson's never gonna be a burner, but he's always had awesome hands, he's in great shape, knows where to go - and will be a great complement to that line of two high No. 1 picks. ... I hope that line stays intact for a while. ... And who else does as intelligent/humorous between periods interview than an Ivy Leaguer?

First time I've felt hopeful in about five years. Now, Town of Hempstead, stop dicking around and give the Islanders what they want fer crissakes!![/quote]
I agree.

And, Matt Moulson looked like he belonged on that first line and top power-play unit tonight.  He also played a regular shift in the overtime.  He has earned the coaching staff's trust.

I don't know whether Matt and his two-way contract will stay with the Islanders after Doug Weight and Frans Nielsen and return.  He will make it hard to demote him.

[Jacob '06]

[quote adamw] Now, Town of Hempstead, stop dicking around and give the Islanders what they want fer crissakes!![/quote]

I think they already made a deal last week.

[Flyers1037]

[quote Flyers1037]Just heard that O'Byrne left tonight with an injury.  Only caught the news flipping through center ice channels.[/quote]

TSN.ca is reporting that O'Byrne was hit in the foot with a shot.

[oceanst41]

[quote ftyuv]Bitz is on the second PK line. I can't remember if he was there in the last game.[/quote]

I was thinking the same thing. I don't remember him getting much PK time in the first game, but he sure spent a lot of time there last night. Had two grade A scoring chances too - the best one coming on a wrap around that had Leighton out of position. However, it looked like his stick broke as he was trying to stuff it in.

[Cactus12]

Article on Tavares on NHL.com

Seems that Tavares and the coaching staff are happy with the Okposo-Tavares-Moulson line. Could be a big season for Matt...

[adamw]

[quote Jacob '06][quote adamw] Now, Town of Hempstead, stop dicking around and give the Islanders what they want fer crissakes!![/quote]

I think they already made a deal last week.[/quote]

They definitely have not, unfortunately ... owner Charles Wang said last night that the town finally requested a meeting - after all these years .... but since they already passed their deadline, he's still going to talk to other cities too.  I don't blame him.  They've dicked them around so much.

[ftyuv]

[quote oceanst41]However, it looked like his stick broke as he was trying to stuff it in.[/quote]