Moulson thriving on island

Yes, that’s really Matt Moulson. You might not recognize him, because of the long hair and because he’s been playing on the Islanders’ first line with John Tavares and Kyle Okposo in the early part of this season. Moulson signed with the Kings after a four-year career at Cornell, but never really got going. He played seven games with the Kings last season and 22 games in 2007-08 and totaled six goals and four assists.

Moulson did score 21 goals in 54 games for Manchester last season, then signed with the Islanders as a free agent. After a strong preseason, Moulson has one goal and two assists in three games heading into today’s game against the Kings.

Today’s game has a subplot for Moulson. Not only is he facing his former team, but Moulson’s is dating the sister of Kings goalie Jonathan Quick’s wife.

Here’s what Moulson said about the start of his season…

MOULSON: “Obviously I’ve been given a tremendous chance to play with Johnny and Kyle the last couple games, and we kind of got some chemistry going. They have helped me come out of the gates strong, and I think maybe I just approached it a little different than I did before. I’m a lot more confident. That was a big part of it, just the confidence. … I don’t think I changed a lot in my game. It’s more of a mental thing. I feel a lot more confident, and more comfortable, on the ice than I did at any other time in my career. I really don’t know what to attribute that too.

“I worked hard this summer and I wanted to make this team. Obviously you have to be given opportunities, given chances. This coaching staff gave me chances right off the bat. Like I said, I kind of came in with a different approach than I did the last couple years. I think it was easier because I wasn’t really worried. I just came in with nothing to lose, and it definitely helped me in how I approach the game.’’