New York Islanders defenseman Noah Dobson is off to an impressive start to the 2023-24 season.
Since the losses of defensemen Adam Pelech and Sebastian Aho early in Friday’s game against the Ottawa Senators, the 23-year-old rearguard has spent a lot of time on the ice in addition to playing his bad side.
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In Ottawa, Dobson played no less than 31 minutes and 05 seconds of ice time. The day before, head coach Lane Lambert used this to beat the Philadelphia Flyers 28:41.
To ease the burden on the former Quebec Major Junior Hockey League player, general manager Lou Lamoriello called on Mike Rielly of the Florida Panthers to man the left flank of the defense.
“I don’t know how much more we can ask of him,” the training pilot admitted. That’s a lot of minutes. I think he just has to keep playing the way he’s been playing. Mike’s arrival may take a few minutes, allowing him to save energy.
A timely breakout
According to the New York Post, the star player’s versatility is a blessing for the Elmont-based team during these difficult times.
Now more comfortable in all situations, the right-hander will greatly help the Islanders, who are fifth in the Metropolitan Division, overcome an injury to a pillar of their defensive brigade.
“Obviously we can’t replace a guy like Pelech in certain situations,” the 2018 first-round pick admitted. “Defensively, with their stick, undermanned, against the best opposing lines… it’s difficult to replace them. “Everyone has to raise our level of play even further.”
In 20 matchups this season, Dobson leads his team with 16 points, tied with forwards Brock Nelson and Matthew Barzal.
New York will visit New Jersey to take on the Devils on Tuesday night at the Prudential Center.