BOSTON, MA -- New York Islanders defenseman Noah Dobson will return to the lineup on Thursday night against the Boston Bruins. 

The 25-year-old missed the last 11 games with a lower-body injury, but is ready to roll after getting a few practices in with the team following the 4 Nations Face-Off break.

Islanders Activate Noah Dobson Off Long-Term Injured Reserve Ahead Of Game vs. Boston The New York Islanders have activated defenseman Noah Dobson off of long-term injured reserve.

"I feel good. I'm excited to be back," Dobson said.  "Obviously, it sucks when you miss the extended period of time, but I feel good. Got some good skates in and I'm ready for a good test tonight. It's a challenge mentally, physically, but I feel like having a two-week break in there where the team's not playing, I think, helps.

"At least you're not missing games in that time, and you're able to focus on getting ready and healthy. I think it's just important to get your feet going early, keep it simple, and try and get in the game, but definitely feel good with all the skates and practices I've had."

Dobson will skate alongside Adam Pelech, replacing Scott Perunovich in the lineup. 

Perunovich is one of the three defensemen that general manager Lou Lamoriello brought in when the blue-line staples went down with injuries. 

Tony DeAngelo, who the club signed, and Adam Boqvist, who was claimed off of waivers from the Florida Panthers, are in the lineup against Boston. Scott Mayfield is a healthy scratch for a second straight game. 

"Obviously, a lot of changes since I've been out. I thought Lou's done a great job bringing in good players, good people, and they fit in really well," Dobson said. "Obviously, with so many injuries, they got thrown right in the fire playing lots of minutes. They've done such a great job with that, and I'm excited.

"I'm playing with new guys, practice with them, but they all have different skill sets. You look at the pairs. There's a balance with puck movers and defensive guys, so I think it can be a good balance for us. But they've all done a great job when they came to our team, and we're all happy to have them."

The Islanders enter Thursday night seven points back of a wild-card spot and five points back of Boston. 

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