The Montreal Canadiens and Tampa Bay Lightning are locked in a razor-tight first-round battle, with the series tied 2-2. With momentum hanging in the balance heading into a pivotal Game 5, the Canadiens may be getting a boost at just the right time as Noah Dobson’s return appears to be inching closer.
Canadiens Get Encouraging Noah Dobson Update
After finishing third in the Atlantic Division, Montreal entered the playoffs believing it could make some noise, but this series has shown exactly why Tampa Bay remains such a dangerous postseason opponent.
Every game has been decided by a single goal, and three have needed overtime. The Canadiens took Game 1 in a 4-3 overtime thriller, dropped Game 2 by a 3-2 score in overtime, bounced back with another 3-2 OT win in Game 3, then let Game 4 slip away in a 3-2 loss.
Now, with the series shifting back to Tampa for a pivotal Game 5, Montreal received some encouraging news on the injury front.
Defenseman Noah Dobson was spotted skating Monday for the first time since suffering an upper-body injury late in the regular season while blocking a shot against the Columbus Blue Jackets. It marked a significant step forward.
Reports have suggested Dobson may have undergone a minor procedure on his left hand or thumb, though the Canadiens have not officially confirmed it. The expected recovery was believed to be in the four-to-six-week range, making any progress toward a return notable, especially in the playoffs.
He was on the ice with Mike Matheson and skills coach Adam Nicholas ahead of practice. While there’s still no confirmation he’ll return for Game 5, the sight of him skating has at least opened the door. There appears to be, as some around the team have put it, “light at the end of the tunnel.”
Head coach Martin St. Louis has already confirmed Josh Anderson and Juraj Slafkovsky will be available for Game 5, but Dobson’s status remains up in the air.
His return would be a major boost after what unfolded in Game 4. Montreal looked in command early at Bell Center, building a 2-0 lead on goals from Zachary Bolduc and Cole Caufield. Then momentum flipped. Tampa Bay stormed back, with Brandon Hagel scoring twice in the third period to silence the crowd and even the series.
A crushing hit from Lightning defenseman Lukas Crozier on Slafkovsky was also seen by many as a turning point, changing both the tone and momentum of the game.
Now all eyes turn to Game 5, and whether Dobson can factor into it.
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For the Canadiens, even the chance of getting a top blueliner back could be a huge lift for a pivotal Game 5.
