Canadiens’ Dobson a game-time decision for Game 7 vs. Lightning

The Montreal Canadiens could get a major boost back into their lineup ahead of Game 7 of their first-round series against the Tampa Bay Lightning.

Head coach Martin St. Louis told reporters, including Pierre LeBrun of The Athletic, after the team’s morning skate that defenseman Noah Dobson would take the pre-game warmup and would be a game-time decision for the win-or-go-home showdown.

Dobson, one of the more prolific offensive blue liners the game has to offer, has been out of action since he exited an Apr. 11 game against the Columbus Blue Jackets when he took a puck to the glove and injured his thumb. 

Dobson proved to be an immediate upgrade for Montreal’s blue line, as his 47 points in 80 games played provided a secondary offensive powerhouse to the defense behind top-pair star Lane Hutson.

If he can suit up for Game 7, he’d provide a key upgrade in a series that has been defined by how tight the margins have been, as all six games have been decided by just one goal.

The Habs had a chance to punch their ticket to Round 2 on home ice on Friday night, but they could not puncture Lightning goalie Andrei Vasilevskiy, and Gage Goncalves scored in overtime to deliver the Bolts a 1-0 win and send the series back to Tampa.

Both teams are looking to snap long stretches without a playoff series win. Tampa Bay has not advanced beyond the first round since 2022, while the Canadiens have not done so since 2021, when they fell to the Lightning in the Stanley Cup Final.