Update: Noah Dobson Exits Islanders Game Versus Montreal With Upper-Body Injury

ELMONT, NY– The New York Islanders have dealt with injuries to their defense corps all season and may have just suffered the biggest one yet.

Noah Dobson exited Thursday night’s game against the Montreal Canadiens in the first period and did not return to the Islanders’ bench at the start of the second period.

Following the game, Islanders head coach Patrick Roy confirmed that Dobson had suffered an upper-body injury. If he will be forced to miss any more time remains unclear at this point.

#Isles HC Patrick Roy says it's an upper body injury for Dobson.

— Andrew Fantucchio (@A_Fantucchio) April 12, 2024

Dobson played three shifts for the Islanders, logging a total of 1:28 of ice time before exiting. There was no apparent reason to believe Dobson was injured when his final shift ended at 5:33 of the first.

In just his fifth NHL season, the 24-year-old Dobson is having a breakout year and will likely receive some consideration for the Norris Trophy, as he’s currently tied for sixth among all defensemen with a career-high 70 points in 78 games.

On Tuesday against the New York Rangers, Dobson became just the second defenseman in Islanders history to record 60 assists in a season.

“I don’t think he has reached his full potential yet,” said Islanders head coach Patrick Roy Thursday morning. “I see him as a dominant player and a guy that will be very dangerous offensively but also very reliable defensively.”

Even without Dobson for much of the game against Montreal, the Islanders managed to dominate possession. However, they struggled mightily on the power play, finishing the night 0-4 on the man advantage.

Still, they pulled out a 3-2 win in overtime. Kyle Palmieri scored at 1:17 of the extra frame to earn the Islanders their sixth straight win, tying their longest streak of the season.

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