Canadiens Get Promising News Update on Noah Dobson
The Montreal Canadiens will take a 2-1 lead into their series with the Tampa Bay Lightning on Sunday night. And now they also have an edge in the 'injured top line defensemen' department as well.
While Victor Hedman remains "doubtful" to play the rest of this series for Tampa, Noah Dobson, who has been out since April 11th, has now resumed skating, we have learned.
Noah Dobson could be ahead of his return timeline
Two weeks ago, when he went down, the team said that Dobson would be "reassessed" in 14 days. This return to the ice meets that timeline, at least.
Reports had emerged that he underwent thumb surgery, which meant he would be out of action for four to six weeks. But with the playoffs underway, there's every chance that could get pushed up.
It's doubtful that he would play as soon as Game 4, butthis is a sign that he could make it back before the end of the series.
The 26-year-old played much of the season on the Habs' top pairing with Mike Matheson, and finished with 12 goals and 47 points in 80 games. He added 188 blocked shots, logged an average of 22:29 of ice time per night, and posted a plus/minus rating of +5.
His return will add another huge dimension to the Montreal side, though they have managed pretty well even without him. But it's taken an entire team effort, says star d-man Lane Hutson.
“I don’t think it’s just our D. I mean, our forwards are doing a great job in our own end,’’ said Huston. “Collectively, we’ve been really sharp. It’s been fun to defend and be a part of it and help any way I can. But yeah, everyone is defending so hard and trying to make up for Dobber being out.’’
What will be tough for the Habs, whenever Dobson is ready to return, is who to take out of the lineup. Both Arber Xhekaj or Jayden Struble are playing extremely well on the third pairing, and their numbers at 5 v 5 have been tremendous.
Alexandre Carrier has also filled in admirably for Dobson in his spot, pairing with Matheson. Carrier has blocked 10 shots through the first three games of the series.
Game 4 goes Sunday night at the rockin' and rollin' Bell Centre.
Photo: © Eric Bolte-Imagn Images
