Lehner standing tall in Sabres' net since return from ankle injury
Tim Murray's gamble on Robin Lehner is starting to pay off.
The Buffalo Sabres general manager sent the 21st pick in the 2015 NHL Entry Draft to the Ottawa Senators in exchange for Lehner and center David Legwand this past season, only to see the would-be starting goalie succumb to an ankle injury during the season opener.
Since making his return to the lineup on Jan. 15, Lehner has proven to be worth investing in.
Robin Lehner since returning from injury:
- Ian Ott (@IanSabresPR) February 4, 2016
2-3-0 record, .939 save percentage, 2.22 goals-against average, one assist
In each of those five starts, Lehner has seen a heavy workload, facing no fewer than 30 shots.
| Date | Opponent | Result | Shots Against | Goals Against | Save % |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan. 15 | Boston | L 1-4 | 30 | 3 | .900 |
| Jan. 20 | Colorado | L 1-2 | 35 | 2 | .943 |
| Jan. 22 | Detroit | L 0-3 | 44 | 2 | .955 |
| Jan. 26 | Ottawa | W 3-2 | 36 | 2 | .944 |
| Feb. 3 | Montreal | W 4-2 | 35 | 2 | .943 |
Still only 24, Lehner - who comes in at 6-foot-5 and 240 pounds - has yet to hit the 100 career appearances mark after being drafted in the second round by the Senators back in 2009.
While he has posted a career save percentage of .916, he's only appeared in 25-plus games twice, and remains unproven as a No. 1 goalie at the NHL level.
The Sabres have taken several positive steps forward this season, largely without Lehner in net. If he can indeed continue to assert himself as a legitimate starter, Buffalo will be well positioned to reap the benefits of the recent rebuilding process.
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