Noah Dobson’s face burst into a smile as Anthony Beauvillier and Mat Barzal met him near the boards. The rest of the Islanders would soon follow, as Dobson basked in the moment. “It definitely feel…
Noah Dobson’s face burst into a smile as Anthony Beauvillier and Mat Barzal met him near the boards. The rest of the Islanders would soon follow, as Dobson basked in the moment.the Islanders’ 3-2 win over the OilersIt’s also a feeling Dobson is getting more used to. The soon-to-be 22-year-old defenseman came into the month of December without a goal this season. He’s since scored five, becoming the Islanders’ defenseman most adept at getting the puck forward and driving offensive play.
The transformation has been stark — and badly needed. At the beginning of the season, the Islanders badly lacked production from their defensive group, which was then decimated by COVID-19.In particular, that has come down to confidence.“He’s skating, he’s moving the puck, he’s transporting the puck,” associate coach Lane Lambert said. “But for me I think it’s just because of his confidence level. He’s alway had that in him, but I think mentally he’s really taken it to the next level.
Zdeno Chara, Dobson’s partner on defense, has noticed the same thing. Though the 44-year-old Chara said he treats everyone the same, regardless of age, it’s no secret that the Islanders paired the two together in part so Chara could mentor Dobson. Chara said Monday that he’s encouraged Dobson to use the ability that got him here: the skating and the hockey sense in particular.