A key piece on the blue line could return for the Montreal Canadiens just in time for Game 7.
Canadiens coach Martin St. Louis said defenceman Noah Dobson is a game-time decision for Sunday night’s do-or-die matchup with the Tampa Bay Lightning.
“We’ll assess after warm-up,” St. Louis said at a morning availability. “He’s been a big player for us this year. I’m confident that if he plays, he’s going to bring something.”
The Lightning forced Game 7 with a dramatic 1-0 overtime win Friday night in Montreal. All six games in the tight series have been decided by one goal, including four in overtime.
Dobson hasn’t played since his left hand took the brunt of a Zach Werenski slapshot against the Columbus Blue Jackets on April 11. The team announced the following day he would be re-evaluated in two weeks.
The 26-year-old from Summerside, P.E.I., has participated in Montreal’s practices in the past week, appearing to handle the puck and shoot with comfort.
His return would provide a significant boost for the Canadiens. He averaged the third-highest ice time (22 minutes 29 seconds) on the team this season, regularly handling top assignments on Montreal’s top pair with Mike Matheson.
Dobson also had 12 goals and 47 points in 80 games, with all but eight points coming at even strength.
“Dobber’s a guy that does so much for our group on both sides of the ice,” veteran forward Brendan Gallagher said. “At some point here we’re going to get him back and when he comes back he’s going to be able to do the job. But for the time being, I think we really have to continue to do what we’re doing.
“All the Ds that have played in the series have done a little bit more and (have had) a little more responsibility put on them, and we’re gonna need more of that.”
The Canadiens have managed well in his absence, with Alexandre Carrier filling in alongside Matheson and Jayden Struble and Arber Xhekaj providing solid minutes on the third pair.
One of Xhekaj or Struble would presumably draw out of the lineup if Dobson is available, unless St. Louis decides to ice seven defencemen and 11 forwards — something he did not rule out.
“We know we can do that,” St. Louis said. “These are decisions we’re going to have to make probably after warm-up, but I’ve done that before. I’ve never been afraid of that.”
Dobson has 31 games of playoff experience, including a trip to the Eastern Conference final with the New York Islanders in 2021.
This would be his Canadiens post-season debut after Montreal acquired him from the Islanders and signed him to an eight-year, $76-million US extension last summer.
For the Lightning, captain Victor Hedman spent extra time skating with the team’s scratches following an optional morning practice, indicating he’s unlikely to dress in Game 7. Head coach Jon Cooper was scheduled to hold his pre-game media availability late Sunday afternoon.
Hedman hasn’t played since March 19 after taking a temporary leave for personal reasons. The 35-year-old Swede and former Norris Trophy winner rejoined the Lightning for the first round, travelling and skating with the team despite not playing in a game.
Hedman also missed time due to elbow surgery and an undisclosed injury earlier this season, posting one goal and 16 assists in 33 games.
Both teams arrived in Tampa later than expected Saturday due to severe thunderstorms and a tornado warning in the area. The Lightning were diverted to Sarasota, Fla., while the Canadiens’ plane rerouted to Fort Lauderdale, Fla., before the ground stop lifted at Tampa International Airport.
“Once we got close to Tampa, like the last 30 minutes, it got bumpier,” said forward Gage Goncalves, who scored the winner in Game 6.
“It was a little different … hung out on the ground for an hour and a bit, but as long as we’re with the guys, honestly, time kind of flies by.”
Tampa Bay forward Nick Paul knows a thing or two about rising to the occasion in Game 7.
The 31-year-old from Mississauga, Ont., famously scored twice in a 2-1 win as the Lightning downed the Toronto Maple Leafs in seven games in the 2022 first round, sending his team to the Stanley Cup final.
“When your backs against the wall, you see who shows up, and we have a lot of guys in this room that will show up,” Paul said.
“These are the ones you think about when you’re a kid, every scenario you’re winning games, it’s always a Game 7.”
