Noah Dobson Returns to Ice Amid Canadiens Playoff Push as Slafkovsky Scores Overtime Winner in Game 1 Victory

Montreal Canadiens defenceman Noah Dobson has resumed skating after suffering an upper-body injury during the regular season finale against the Columbus Blue Jackets, marking a significant step in his recovery process.

Dobson, who leads the NHL with 188 blocked shots this season, was injured when he blocked a Zach Werenski slap shot with his left hand in the second period of the Canadiens’ 5-2 loss on April 12, 2026. He did not return to the game following the incident.

The Canadiens announced the injury on Sunday, April 13, 2026, stating that Dobson would be re-evaluated in two weeks. At the time, the team confirmed he would miss the beginning of the Stanley Cup playoffs.

Despite his absence, Montreal went on to win the first game of their first-round playoff series against the Tampa Bay Lightning, with Juraj Slafkovsky scoring a hat trick, including the overtime winner, to secure a 4-3 victory.

Dobson had averaged the third-most ice time on the Canadiens this season at 22 minutes and 29 seconds per game, behind only Mike Matheson and Lane Hutson. His presence on the blue line has been a key component of Montreal’s defensive structure, particularly in shutting down top opposing forwards.

In his absence, the Canadiens have relied on other defensive options, including the recall of David Reinbacher from the Laval Rocket of the American Hockey League to provide depth on the blue line.

Coach Martin St. Louis acknowledged the challenge of losing Dobson, noting the team’s lack of right-shot defencemen available after Alexandre Carter also remained sidelined with an upper-body injury since March 29, 2026.

The team’s equipment staff observed after the final regular season game that only the lockers of Carrier and Dobson still contained gear, indicating neither was ready to join the team for their final road games against the New York Islanders and Philadelphia Flyers.

Dobson’s resumption of skating represents progress in his recovery, though no timetable for his return to game action has been provided. The Canadiens will continue to monitor his condition as they advance through the playoffs.