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\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tMontreal Canadiens’ Noah Dobson (53) during the first period of an NHL hockey game against the New York Rangers Thursday, April 2, 2026, in New York. (AP Photo\/Frank Franklin II)<\/p>\n
The Lightning forced Game 7 with a dramatic 1-0 overtime win Friday night in Montreal. All six games in the tight series have been decided by one goal, including four in overtime.<\/p>\n
Dobson hasn\u2019t 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.<\/p>\n
The 26-year-old from Summerside, P.E.I., has participated in Montreal\u2019s practices in the past week, appearing to handle the puck and shoot with comfort.<\/p>\n
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\u2019s top pair with Mike Matheson.<\/p>\n
Dobson also had 12 goals and 47 points in 80 games, with all but eight points coming at even strength.<\/p>\n
\u201cDobber\u2019s a guy that does so much for our group on both sides of the ice,\u201d veteran forward Brendan Gallagher said. \u201cAt some point here we\u2019re going to get him back and when he comes back he\u2019s going to be able to do the job. But for the time being, I think we really have to continue to do what we\u2019re doing.<\/p>\n
\u201cAll the Ds that have played in the series have done a little bit more and (have had) a little more responsibility put on them, and we\u2019re gonna need more of that.\u201d<\/p>\n
The Canadiens have managed well in his absence, with Alexandre Carrier filling in alongside Matheson and Jayden Struble and Arber Xhekaj providing solid minutes on the third pair.<\/p>\n
One of Xhekaj or Struble would presumably draw out of the lineup if Dobson is available, unless St. Louis decides to ice seven defencemen and 11 forwards \u2014 something he did not rule out.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe know we can do that,\u201d St. Louis said. \u201cThese are decisions we\u2019re going to have to make probably after warm-up, but I\u2019ve done that before. I\u2019ve never been afraid of that.\u201d<\/p>\n
Dobson has 31 games of playoff experience, including a trip to the Eastern Conference final with the New York Islanders in 2021.<\/p>\n
This would be his Canadiens post-season debut after Montreal acquired him from the Islanders and signed him to an eight-year, US$76-million extension last summer.<\/p>\n
For the Lightning, captain Victor Hedman spent extra time skating with the team\u2019s scratches following an optional morning practice, indicating he\u2019s unlikely to dress in Game 7. Head coach Jon Cooper was scheduled to hold his pre-game media availability late Sunday afternoon.<\/p>\n
Hedman hasn\u2019t played since March 19 after taking a temporary leave for personal reasons. The 35-year-old Swede and former Norris Trophy winner rejoined the Lightning for the first round, travelling and skating with the team despite not playing in a game.<\/p>\n
Hedman also missed time due to elbow surgery and an undisclosed injury earlier this season, posting one goal and 16 assists in 33 games.<\/p>\n
TRAVEL HICCUPS<\/p>\n
Both teams arrived in Tampa later than expected Saturday due to severe thunderstorms and a tornado warning in the area. The Lightning were diverted to Sarasota, Fla., while the Canadiens\u2019 plane rerouted to Fort Lauderdale, Fla., before the ground stop lifted at Tampa International Airport.<\/p>\n
\n\t\tWinnipeg Free Press | Newsletter\n\t<\/p>\n
\t\t\tThe Warm-Up<\/p>\n
Winnipeg Jets Game Days<\/p>\n
On Winnipeg Jets game days, hockey writers Mike McIntyre and Ken Wiebe send news, notes and quotes from the morning skate, as well as injury updates and lineup decisions. Arrives a few hours prior to puck drop.<\/p>\n