PITTSBURGH — This was a massive play by players at a massive moment, something Noah Dobson did in the third term on Sunday night.
The Islanders tied the Panthers 2-2 as Dobson quickly removed the puck from Sam Linehart and skated for a goal in the final game, from just below the Red Line to the fold around Seth Jones.
“It was out of their winger showdown and so we gave a good thrust into it,” Dobson said. “I saw their D-Man be a bit flat. Take that offensive mindset and try bringing it to the net. We've finished it. It's obviously a big goal. I'm happy to contribute to a big victory.”
It was straight since last season that Dobson scored 70 points in what appears to be a rise to stardom.
This is a speed bump or three hits this season, and Dobson struggles to find the same rhythm and confidence in his game, launching in January with an injury.
He generates almost all points per 60 people and struggles to make the same impact every night.
The underlying numbers are fine. The expected target rate of 54.82 on a 5-for-5 is actually much better than a year ago.
Beyond the immediate impact of Sunday's victory in the playoff race, that's why Dobson's seventh goal of the season is his most important.
“I know he can do it more often,” coach Patrick Roy said. “And I'm not trying to be negative here because he has so many talents and skills. So when he moves like this, that's what we want to see from him: challenge the defenseman.
“First period [on a similar play]instead of going forward in a neutral zone reorganization, he tried to throw it away. [the defenseman] This time, burn that d and bring it to the net as he is so talented. It's nice to see him do a play like this. ”
More than that, it is necessary if the islanders have some kind of shot in their run to the playoffs.
Brock Nelson has left and is trading with Colorado.
Mat Barzal has recovered from knee surgery and could miss the rest of the regular season.
The islanders have never relied on skills precisely to win, but now there are no two players who have consistently brought it to the lineup.
Someone needs to step up.
Dobson has seen a massive drop in point production this season, and needs to step up.
More play like that.
Dobson skated in a total of 21:58 and recorded a 5-5 goal percentage of 63.71 while facing Florida's top line with Evan Rodriguez, Alexander Barkov and Sam Reinhardt.
The Islander Playoff window appeared to be closed around 9pm
On Sunday, when they went to Florida and the Rangers were tied up with Edmonton, the defeat and the Rangers' victory would have scored eight points on them.
90 minutes later, both results progressed, and the Islanders played four games after their match with the Penguins on Tuesday, with two games, four of the next five games at home, four games.
This could be their time.
If Dobson doesn't do more of what he did on Sunday, it won't be.
