Islanders All-Star Nominees After an eight-assist week, New York Islanders [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/new-york-islanders/latest-news/bo-horvat-new-york-islanders-monday-practice-injury-hand-wrist-canadiens] defenseman Noah Dobson [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/new-york-islanders/players/noah-dobson-new-york-islanders-11-points-11-games-defensive-play-1-on-1] has been named the NHL's third star of the week: Dobson notched three assists in the 4-3 overtime win against the Toronto Maple Leafs and then followed that up with a two-assist night in the 4-3 win over the Anaheim Ducks before failing to record a point against the Boston Bruins in the 5-4 overtime loss. But then he closed out his week with a three-assist performance in the 5-3 loss to the Montreal Canadiens on Saturday night. Dobson's one assist in the 3-2 comeback win doesn't count towards the week that was, but nine assists over his last five games is incredible. While the league recognized Dobson this week, he's been a catalyst from the backend this entire season. Dobson's doing his best Bert Kreischer impression, as he's been a machine, with five goals and 27 assists for 32 points in just 30 games. The 23-year-old became just the second Islander defenseman to record 27 assists through 30 games and the first to achieve this feat since Denis Potvin did so back in 1975-76. Dobson's efforts this season have him third in the NHL in assists amongst defensemen, trailing Colorado Avalanche defenseman Cale Makar (29) and Vancouver Canucks blueliner Quinn Hughes (30). As for where he ranks amongst all the players in the NHL in assists? The answer is fifth. With Adam Pelech, Ryan Pulock, and Scott Mayfield out of the lineup. Dobson's play on both sides of the puck has shown that he can be the Islanders' No. 1 defenseman going forward if he isn't already the No. 1 guy right now.
