It was announced today that New York Islanders defenseman Noah Dobson has suffered an injury right before the beginning of the NHL's Stanley Cup playoffs.

Noah Dobson has absolutely broken out this year, becoming a true number one defenseman, and getting himself into the Norris conversation (he won't be a finalist, but he'll likely get a few votes).

The Islanders have had a tough season, but following the hiring of Montreal Canadiens and Colorado Avalanche legend Patrick Roy as their head coach, they have turned things around. They now sit in a wild card spot, but have several teams right on their tale. To make things clear, they need to get as many points as they can in their final few games of the season, as nothing is guaranteed for the playoffs.

Losing their number one defenseman Noah Dobson, even if it is just for one or two games is absolutely heartbreaking - it may be the difference between a run in the Stanley Cup playoffs, or an offseason that starts this week.

Patrick Roy says Noah Dobson (upper body) is day to day, not playing today. #Isles

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Noah Dobson will not be in the #Isles lineup today, per Patrick Roy.

He is day-to-day with an upper body injury.

When it comes to anything carrying over from last game:

«No. No — zero.»

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Patrick Roy made these comments on the injury:

#Isles Patrick Roy on losing Noah Dobson (upper body/day to day): "Well, it's a big piece of our team. But, when we lost Mayfield, it gives an opportunity to other guys and we approach it the same way."

Aho in for Dobson on PP, too.