Canadiens Evaluate Dobson’s Potential Partnership with Hutson
The Montreal Canadiens are assessing the potential partnership between defensemen Noah Dobson and Lane Hutson. This evaluation follows the acquisition of Dobson, aimed at optimizing the team’s defensive lineup. Yet, the expected outcomes have not fully materialized.
Dobson’s Current Performance and Impact
Noah Dobson has averaged slightly less than one minute of 5v5 ice time per game compared to his time with the New York Islanders. Despite this, he is on track for a career-best with 11 goals and matching his best of 37 points by the end of the 2023-2024 NHL season.
- Goals: 11
- Points: 37
- Average 5v5 Time: ~1 minute less per game
Throughout his time on the ice, he has blocked 10.5% of opposing shots and ranks 8th among defensemen logged with over 300 minutes of ice time, just behind teammate Alexandre Carrier. His success is supported by a shooting percentage of 9.3% and favorable on-ice finishing luck, with over 11% of shots resulting in goals.
Defensive Pairing with Mike Matheson
The Matheson-Dobson pairing has played together consistently, with the exception of a few games due to injuries and personal line adjustments. Together, they face some of the toughest deployments in the NHL, participating in high-pressure situations more than most defensive pairs.
- Games Played Together: All season except 2 games in mid-December
- Deployment: One of the hardest in the NHL
Their expected goal share stands at 48.5%, a commendable figure considering their responsibilities, though indicating room for improvement compared to elite first-pairings in successful teams. The duo has outperformed other pairings involving Matheson, showcasing a unique synergy.
Exploring the Hutson-Dobson Partnership
Another pairing worth discussing is Dobson and Lane Hutson. This duo has demonstrated impressive statistics during their time together, achieving a remarkable 69% goal share and a 63% expected goal share. Their effectiveness raises questions about the potential for a more permanent partnership.
- Time Together: 144 minutes
- Goals Share: 69%
- Expected Goals Share: 63%
However, the sustainability of their success depends on various factors, including how they might perform with different defensive responsibilities. Their recent results suggest they may be more effective when the team is focusing on offense, particularly in games when the stakes are high.
Evaluating Future Strategies
The Canadiens are left with pivotal decisions regarding defensive pairings. While the Dobson-Matheson collaboration has advantages, there is curiosity about whether increasing the time Dobson spends with Hutson could generate even better results. Team management must weigh the benefits of maintaining their current strategy against experimenting with combinations that capitalize on their individual strengths.
Ultimately, as the 2023-2024 season progresses, the Canadiens continue to analyze how best to utilize Dobson’s talents alongside Hutson, aiming for a balanced and effective defensive lineup.
