Buffalo Sabres Robin Lehner Sharp Since Return

Since Buffalo Sabres netminder Robin Lehner has returned from the injury he suffered in the season-opener, he’s been on point.

Lehner made his return officially on January 15 with the NHL club, in a 4-1 loss to the Boston Bruins. His record since the return: 2-3-1.

The Buffalo Sabres goaltender’s record only speaks slightly for how well he’s playing since his return, however.

Lehner’s recorded a .940 save percentage and 2.17 GAA in six games since returning, logging a save percentage of at least .943 in five of those six games and stopping at least 33 shots in each of those games.

Here’s a quick look at how he’s performed since his return:

January 15 – 4-1 loss vs. Boston

Lehner recorded 27 saves in this loss to the Bruins, allowing three goals on 30 shots faced.

He played just shy of the full sixty-minutes (59:26) in his first NHL game back from a high-ankle sprain.

January 20 – 2-1 loss to Colorado

Five days later, Lehner made 33 saves on 35 shots faced in this loss to the Avalanche. It was a tough loss for Sabres fans to swallow, especially with it being Ryan O’Reilly and Jamie McGinn‘s return to Colorado.

Lehner played 59:43 and had several stellar saves, including this pad save:

January 22 – 3-0 loss to Detroit

Though the Buffalo Sabres lost yet again, Lehner looked sharp.

He had 42 saves on 44 shots faced, with Detroit’s third goal coming via the empty-net.

Lehner played 58:42 in the shutout loss and was generally on point, making saves like this one:

As a result, he earned third-star honors for the game.

January 26 – 3-2 win over Ottawa

Finally – a victory! And what better time for Lehner to get his first win of the season than in a game against his former team?

Once again, the Buffalo Sabres goaltender came out with a strong performance, and it paid off across the ice as Buffalo secured the W.

Lehner had 34 saves in 59:58.

February 3 – 4-2 win over Montreal

And another victory – why not!

Lehner helped lead the Buffalo Sabres to victory over the struggling Montreal Canadiens.

He stopped 33 of 35 shots faced in 59:20 in the win at the Bell Centre, making more great saves like this one:

Once again, the Buffalo Sabres netminder was honored with third star for the game.

February 6 – 2-1 overtime loss to Boston

Most recently came the OT loss to Boston. That one just… hurt. Nothing like losing via a penalty shot in overtime.

Regardless, Lehner had another generally strong performance with 36 saves on 38 shots faced.

He was named third star of the game, having played 62:29, and making saves like this:

With the season already more than half over, and the Sabres in their current position, it’s pretty clear that the team isn’t making the playoffs.

Regardless, we can still get a chance to see what Lehner can do with the rest of the season now that he’s healthy – and playing quite well – and then look forward to next season when he’ll hopefully be healthy year-round.

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What are your thoughts on the Buffalo Sabres goaltender since his return from injury?