NY Islanders hold their breath over defenseman Noah Dobson injury concern

There were a lot of positives coming out of the New York Islanders' 3-1 win over the Columbus Blue Jackets on Monday night at UBS Arena. However, the win was dampened by the potential long-term loss of defenseman Noah Dobson following an awkward fall early in the third period.

Dobson took a cross-check up high from Blue Jackets forward Cole Sillinger, and his right leg twisted back underneath on his way down. Dobson skated to the bench on his power before heading to the dressing room immediately. He didn’t return for the rest of the third period. “I haven’t talked to anyone yet,” Roy said after the game. “So we’ll probably have more to say tomorrow.”

Dr. Harjas Grewal, who has been analyzing video and projecting hockey injuries the past two seasons gave the following prognosis: "Concern is a high ankle sprain and/or MCL injury for Dobson.
Highly unlikely but can have associated fracture. Time off depends on grade of injury but would not surprise me if this was reported as a 4-6 week timeline."

Dobson has played in all 46 game this season, averaging 24:12 TOI while quarterbacking the power-play. While he's taken a step back offensively after his 70 point campaign last season, the loss would be substantial for the Islanders as they try to climb closer to a playoff spot. Dennis Cholowski would likely slot in if Dobson is out of the lineup with Grant Hutton a likely call-up from Bridgeport.

Dobson, 25, has six goals and 18 assists in 46 games this season.