MONTREAL – Montreal Canadiens defenceman Noah Dobson is a game-time decision for Game 7 of their first-round series against the Tampa Bay Lightning on Sunday night.
Head coach Martin St. Louis said at a morning availability that the team will determine his status after he participates in warm-ups.
Dobson hasn’t played since his left hand took the brunt of a Zach Werenski slap shot 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 practises 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.
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