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