Everything has just changed for Patrick Roy and the Islanders
Photo credit: City News Montreal
As the New York Islanders prepare to start their playoff journey tomorrow night, a major news development could have huge repercussions.
Indeed, star defenseman Noah Dobson, who was expected to miss the first few games against the Carolina Hurricanes, has officially returned to practice. Furthermore, according to statements by Quebec-born head coach Patrick Roy, number 8 should be able to join the Islanders lineup at PNC Arena.
« Patrick Roy says he expects defenseman Noah Dobson to be in the lineup for game number one. » - Via Andrew Gross
What wonderful news for Patrick Roy's defensive brigade!
Facing one of the best offenses in the NHL, there is no doubt that Noah Dobson's return will significantly impact the Islanders' performance. In addition to excelling in defensive territory, the former Rouyn-Noranda Huskies defenseman is the team's power play quarterback.
He is also one of the top offensive defensemen in the NHL, as evidenced by his 10 goals and 60 assists (70 points) in 79 games this season. In fact, only Quinn Hughes, Cale Makar, Roman Josi, Evan Bouchard, Victor Hedman, and Adam Fox have scored more points than him this year.
He is the cornerstone of the Islanders' defense, and his absence, having been injured against the Montreal Canadiens on April 11, would have been catastrophic for Patrick Roy's team. Fortunately, he will indeed be in the lineup tomorrow as the American team attempts to surprise Rod Brind'Amour's men.
Here is the lineup that should, in theory, be deployed by the head coach for this first game:
Casey Cizikas -- Bo Horvat -- Matthew Barzal
Hudson Fasching -- Brock Nelson -- Kyle Palmieri
Anders Lee -- Kyle MacLean -- Pierre Engvall
Matt Martin -- Cal Clutterbuck -- Simon Holmstrom
(Extras: Oliver Wahlstrom, Rouslan Iskhakov)
Alexander Romanov -- Noah Dobson
Adam Pelech -- Ryan Pulock
Mike Reilly -- Robert Bortuzzo
(Extras: Sebastian Aho, Samuel Bolduc)
Semyon Varlamov
Ilya Sorokin
At 24 years old, Noah Dobson, who was the 12th overall pick in the 2018 draft, accumulated 10 goals and 60 assists in 79 games this season after scoring 49 points last year.
Given that the Montreal Canadiens will not participate in the spring dance for the third consecutive year, many Quebec fans are likely to rally behind Patrick Roy and will keenly follow the Islanders' performances.
| POLL |
20 AVRIL | 148 ANSWERS Everything has just changed for Patrick Roy and the Islanders Do you think the Islanders will make it to the second round? |
| Yes | 31 | 20.9 % |
| No | 117 | 79.1 % |
| LIST OF POLLS |
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