Robin Lehner Top-Five New York Islanders Moments
In just one short year, Robin Lehner made his mark on the New York Islanders and their fanbase. The goalie was top-five in goals-against average, save percentage and shutouts during the 2018-19 NHL season. He was a Vezina Trophy finalist and won the Masterton Trophy during a remarkable campaign, one that was magical on and off the ice. To celebrate Lehner playing his first game back on Long Island since leaving the team, let’s go over his top-five moments on the Islanders.
5. A Beautiful Save in Winnipeg
The Islanders were down 4-3 with two minutes remaining against the Winnipeg Jets on March 28, 2019. But, within 33 seconds, the Islanders had the lead. Casey Cizikas and Jordan Eberle scored the two game-altering goals, giving the Islanders the opportunity to clinch a playoff spot at home in their next game.
But before the two tallies, Lehner kept the Islanders in the contest — making the comeback possible. He robbed Mark Scheifele of a potential backbreaker courtesy of a desperation stop. It was perhaps his best stop of the year.
Click here to watch the highlight!
4. A Shutout In His Debut
In his first game with the Islanders, Lehner stole the show. He made 35 saves, including 16 in the third period, earning a 4-0 shutout win over the San Jose Sharks at Barclays Center on Oct. 8, 2018.
Lehner became the first goalie to get a shutout in his Islanders’ debut — and was the first Islanders’ netminder to blank the Sharks since Garth Snow on Feb. 19, 2003.
“It was a fun game to play,” Lehner said. “It was a great atmosphere today in the building too against a good team. I felt real good.”
3. Playoffs Baby!
Lehner always gave honest interviews. March 30, 2019 was his best one yet.
Lehner made 31 saves and improved to 24-12-5, as he helped the Islanders clinch a playoff spot with a 5-1 win over the Buffalo Sabres — his old team. But what happened after the game was the highlight of the night.
“Playoffs, baby. Playoffs. Fuckin’ right.” #Isles pic.twitter.com/hXeZRYdaV0
— Dan (@cultureoflosing) March 31, 2019
You can get your Robin Lehner Playoffs Baby merchandise here!
2. Telling His Story
Lehner was diagnosed as bipolar with manic phases of ADHD with PTSD and trauma in 2018. Months after his diagnosis, Lehner told his story in a chilling, personal, deeply-revealing Special To The Athletic. He opened up about how close he came to suicide — a shocking reality for someone who was simultaneously playing hockey at an elite level.
“You can’t be a good player and sustain any kind of success unless your personal life is in a good place,” said Islanders’ head coach Barry Trotz. “You might be able to do it for a short time, but you won’t be able to do it long-term.”
This was one of the things that made Lehner so beloved on Long Island. He told his story — and it was the catalyst that many needed to realize they needed help, too.
As an NHL goaltender, Lehner’s main job is to stop pucks. But the lives he helped by telling his story will always be his biggest save.
1. Sweeping the Penguins
Prior to Robin Lehner, the Islanders had not swept an opponent in a playoff series since 1983. He made sure that changed.
Lehner stopped 130 of 136 shots in a sweep over the Pittsburgh Penguins, including 32 of 33 in a 3-1 series-clinching win at PPG Paints Arena on April 16, 2019. He was nearly perfect in the four games — and this helped the Islanders move on.
4-0 with a 1.47 goals against average & a .956 save percentage.
Robin Lehner was outstanding for the @NYIslanders against the Penguins! #Isles #LGI #YESYESYES pic.twitter.com/3drPfgkONK
— MSG Networks (@MSGNetworks) April 17, 2019
