Key Canadiens defenceman Noah Dobson back on the ice for Game 7 against Lightning

A key piece on the Montreal Canadiens blue line is back just in time for Game 7.

Defenceman Noah Dobson returned to the lineup ahead of Sunday night's do-or-die matchup with the Tampa Bay Lightning.

"He's been a big player for us this year," Canadiens coach Martin St. Louis said at a morning availability. "I'm confident that if he plays, he's going to bring something."

The Lightning forced Game 7 in the first-round series with a dramatic 1-0 overtime win Friday night in Montreal. All six games in the tight matchup have been decided by one goal, including four in overtime.

Dobson hasn't played since his left hand took the brunt of a Zach Werenski slapshot against the Columbus Blue Jackets on April 11. The team announced the following day he would be re-evaluated in two weeks.

The 26-year-old from Summerside, P.E.I., has participated in Montreal's practices in the past week, appearing to handle the puck and shoot with comfort.

Dobson's return provides a significant boost for the Canadiens. He averaged the third-highest ice time (22 minutes 29 seconds) on the team this season, regularly handling top assignments on Montreal's top pair with Mike Matheson.

Dobson also had 12 goals and 47 points in 80 games, with all but eight points coming at even strength.

"Dobber's a guy that does so much for our group on both sides of the ice," veteran forward Brendan Gallagher said. "At some point here we're going to get him back and when he comes back he's going to be able to do the job."

The Canadiens managed well in his absence, with Alexandre Carrier filling in alongside Matheson and Jayden Struble and Arber Xhekaj providing solid minutes on the third pair.

Dobson has 31 games of playoff experience, including a trip to the Eastern