David Kirouac-Imagn Images

Mike Matheson on Team Canada players: 'It’s better to be with them than against them'

Originally posted on Dose.ca | Last updated May 16, 2025 12:32 AM ET

After a 62-point season in 2023-2024, Mike Matheson slowed down a bit in 2024-2025, collecting 31 points.

Of course, the arrival of Lane Hutson changed everything: Matheson lost his place on the first power play and had more defensive assignments.

Despite a more difficult season, he was invited to be part of Team Canada at the World Championships. Obviously, it’s better for him to be with them than to face them with the Montreal Canadiens.

That’s what he told RDS in an interview on the heels of his game against Austria.

The Canadiens have a good group of players, including Sidney Crosby and Nathan MacKinnon. It helps to have these two players in the line-up.

Another superstar could also be in the lineup → https://t.co/ViuGDsyIp9

– DansLesCoulisses (@DLCoulisses) May 4, 2025

Today, the Canadiens defeated the Austrians 5-1.

It was Vinzenz Rohrer, the Habs’ Austrian prospect, who broke the ice in this game. A Rohrer goal, a Matheson win and a Washington Capitals loss: a fine day for Montreal.

Rohrer scores, Matheson wins… that’s a W for everyone

Andre Ringuette/IIHF

Read ↓ #GoHabsGo | #MensWorlds https://t.co/61Fn6LlY1C

– Montreal Canadiens (@CanadiensMTL) May 15, 2025

The Canadiens’ defenseman has yet to collect a point in this tournament.

The nation has allowed just two goals since the start of the tournament and Matheson has a minus-1 record. He was on the ice for the Latvian goal in game two.

Unifolié is at the top of its division with four wins in as many games and a +19 differential, by far the best of the tournament. Dean Evason’s team play their next game on Saturday against Juraj Slafkovsky’s nation, Slovakia.

Overtime

– Brad Shaw free as a bird.

Hearing Brad Shaw, who took over as interim Head Coach in Philly after John Tortorella was fired, has told the team he will not be returning to the Flyers. Had the option to return. Hearing a number of team have interest in Shaw who is regarded as one of the top assistant coaches..

– Andy Strickland (@andystrickland) May 16, 2025

– Two good choices.

Time to get wet.

If the Habs were to use their two first-round picks, I’d like to see them draft Justin Carbonneau (the fact that he’s a Québécois doesn’t carry any weight here) and Brady Martin.

I’ll explain why below. https://t.co/IWdDK4iuWX

– Anthony Martineau (@Antho_Martineau) May 15, 2025

– He looks confident.

The insight we all needed @kbieksa3 shares what happens in the dressing room when the TV cameras are around pic.twitter.com/hdhJkyhFnR

– Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) May 16, 2025