Montreal Canadiens face a bigger Game 5 question after Noah Dobson’s skate

This is not just a feel-good injury clip.

Dobson has been out since blocking a shot with his left hand against Columbus on April 11. Montreal first said he would be re-evaluated after two weeks.

The Canadiens and Tampa Bay Lightning are tied 2-2 after Montreal blew a two-goal lead in Game 4.

You can see the quiet test here, a solo skate with every stride being watched like a lineup clue.

Dobson posted 12-35-47 in 80 games, and his 22:29 average ice time ranked third on Montreal.

That is hard to replace in playoff hockey.

Fans are right to feel both excited and nervous, because a solo skate is progress, not clearance.

The question is not whether Dobson helps.

Of course he does.

The question is how Martin St-Louis protects him if the hand is still limited.

A defender who cannot win hard wall battles or shoot cleanly changes the whole right side.

Dobson's value is clean exits, second-wave offense, and calm puck movement on the man advantage.

Without him, Lane Hutson and Mike Matheson carry heavier touches.

That can work for stretches, but Tampa makes tired defenders defend twice.

If Dobson returns, Montreal can spread minutes, settle pairings, and stop chasing matchups after every icing.

If he waits, the Canadiens need simpler breakouts and stronger support from the centers down low.

This skate matters because the series has shifted from emotion to management.

Montreal does not need a miracle.

It needs the right Dobson, not just a dressed Dobson, when Game 5 raises the temperature.

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