5 Islanders players who must bring their A-Game in February to stick around in the playoff hunt

Noah Dobson’s Norris-worthy campaign must continue through February

Unlike Sorokin, Noah Dobson has been among the best at his position through the 2023-24 season. He’s been so good on both sides of the ice that he’s already posted career-highs in points and assists, and he’s also averaging over a point per game. 

While we didn’t see Dobson add to that points total a few nights back, he was once again a force, logging a trio of hits and blocks while spending just 23:15 on the ice. Those three blocks and hits added to a growing total that will also likely give him new career-highs in both categories when the regular season ends, but it’s more than just basic numbers regarding Dobson. 

When you look at his Corsi and Fenwick percentages at 5-on-5, they are an unimpressive 48.6 and 49.1, respectively. But given the offensive zone starts also standing at 49.6 when Dobson is on the ice, it gives us a visual that his on-ice presence is helping the Islanders in huge ways. 

Sure, keeping up a Norris-worthy campaign means putting up big numbers, and Dobson is having zero issues with that. But the league’s best defensemen will always be a part of putting their team in a position to make the most of their chances, and Dobson must keep up his elite play.