Noah Dobson’s debut with the Montreal Canadiens has already sparked heated debate among fans and analysts, with opinions split over his performance against the Toronto Maple Leafs.

On the surface, Dobson delivered a solid first game, displaying flashes of skill and composure that could make him a valuable asset for the team moving forward. However, beneath the highlights and stats lies a single, controversial moment late in the game—a play that may have changed the narrative entirely.

As the minutes ticked down, Dobson found himself at the center of a defensive miscue, one that led directly to a crucial insurance goal for Toronto. The sequence, largely overlooked during the live broadcast, has since come under scrutiny, raising uncomfortable questions about effort, accountability, and what it means to wear the Canadiens’ jersey.

Why did Dobson abandon his coverage? Was it a lapse in judgment, or something deeper?

With respected voices like Gilbert Delorme already voicing harsh criticism, and head coach Martin St-Louis likely to have strong opinions after reviewing the footage, Dobson’s future in Montreal could hinge on how he responds to this moment. Dive deeper into the story to see the play everyone’s talking about—and decide for yourself what really happened on the ice.

Photo of Noah dobson vs the Maple Leafs

Photo credit: Habsfanatics/NHL

I know there’s quite a debate right now about Noah Dobson’s performance last night.

Let me say this right away.. I personally think Dobson played a solid first game overall with the Montreal Canadiens!

That said, late in the game, he made a play that will surely be deemed unacceptable in the eyes of Martin St-Louis.

It’s certain that the Canadiens’ head coach won’t be happy when he reviews this sequence, which directly led to the Toronto Maple Leafs’ insurance goal.

Before judging, just take a look at the following video – and focus only on number 53 of the Montreal Canadiens:

Why does Dobson completely abandon his defensive coverage?

Why does Dobson practically let Auston Matthews score the Leafs’ fourth goal without any effort?

Say what you want about Patrik Laine, but he skated much harder than Dobson on that play – he at least tried to stop Matthews from scoring.

Gilbert Delorme was quick to criticize Dobson on his Canadiens debut.

“I did not find Dobson good, not at all! I found him nonchalant the whole darn game!” – Gilbert Delorme

An Unflattering Sequence for Noah Dobson

I’ll say it again.. Yes, Noah Dobson played a good game overall, but that “defensive effort” on the Maple Leafs’ fourth goal was absolutely unacceptable.

Sure, the goal itself was shown on TV, but what wasn’t shown last night was just how lazy and careless Dobson was on the backcheck.

Dobson’s lack of effort on the play, more specifically, wasn’t aired on television – and it deserves to be pointed out today.

Dobson needs to be better in that kind of situation!