Photo credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images
During the game between the Montreal Canadiens and the Pittsburgh Penguins on Sunday night, journalist Anthony Martineau delivered a message.
Martineau’s message is direct: Dobson must play with more bite in his own zone. This is not about his five-on-five production, but about what happens when things heat up behind him.
On Sunday in Pittsburgh, the Canadiens again let a tight game slip away, 4-3 in the shootout, and this kind of detail makes a big difference.
When the ends of games become a lottery, every detail takes on huge importance, especially for a defenseman trusted in big moments.
Despite scoring a goal against the Penguins yesterday, Dobson is at the heart of this discussion because he is a pillar of the top four.
A clear message from journalist Anthony Martineau to Martin St-Louis: he must relay the message to Noah Dobson
Here is what Anthony Martineau had to say:
“Dobson absolutely needs to play with more bite in his own zone.
It is becoming more and more problematic.
And do not talk to me about his solid number of points at 5-on-5.
That is not the issue being addressed here at all.”
– Anthony Martineau, TVA Sports
His contract also puts the spotlight on him.
Dobson signed for eight seasons, 76 million dollars, with a 9.5 million dollar cap hit. When you are paid like that, you cannot just “get your points” and turn off the radio.
The problem is that frustration grows when mistakes happen in the defensive zone (and when there is a lack of engagement at times). Fans accept a young player who is learning, but they accept far less from a young veteran who seems to lack bite when the game gets physical and tight.
Martin St-Louis must therefore send a clear message, without turning it into a spectacle. That could come through his usage, his pairing, or a simple reminder about the team’s standards.
The Canadiens do not need a scapegoat; they need a quick response. Because in Montreal, once a debate begins, it does not disappear on its own.
And with a right-shot defenseman this important, each game adds another layer of pressure. Noah Dobson is capable of so much more at times.
He is an excellent defenseman, and fans want to see what he is capable of to the full extent.
To be continued over the next games.
Previously on Montreal Hockey Fanatics