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Robin Lehner Ready For Return To Long Island

Robin Lehner Ready For Return To Long Island
David Lazar News

New York Islanders’ President of Hockey Operations and General Manager Lou Lamoriello does not allow players to have facial hair during the regular season. Even though Vegas Golden Knights’ goaltender Robin Lehner does not play for the team anymore, he is following Lamoriello’s rules prior to his Long Island-return Sunday afternoon.

Lehner posted a picture of a bathtub full of recently-shaved facial hair, showing just how loyal the ex-Islanders’ netminder is to his old pal.

“I’m ready for tomorrow,” Lehner Tweeted Saturday afternoon. “Yes yes yes. [Lamoriello’s] house, his rules.”

Lamoriello signed Lehner to a one-year, $1.5 million contract on July 3, 2018. In his previous season with the Buffalo Sabres, the Swedish goaltender was 14-26-9 with a 3.01 goals-against average (GAA), .908 save percentage (SV%) and three shutouts in 53 games.

A few months after signing the deal, Lehner published a personal essay detailing how close he came to taking his own life. In a deeply touching story, he shared his bipolar diagnosis, recovery at a treatment center and the steps he had taken to regain control of his life. This honestly and vulnerability was embraced by Long Island — and he instantly became a fan-favorite.

His play on the ice certainly earned the love of the fans, too. He won the Masterton Trophy as the player who best exemplifies the qualities of perseverance, sportsmanship and dedication to hockey after going 25-13-5 with a 2.13 GAA, .930 SV% and six shutouts.

“[Sunday’s game is] going to be emotional. I will say it again. They saved my life,” Lehner said. “They have a special place in my heart [and] in my family’s heart. My wife is flying in for the game.”

Robin Lehner credits Long Island for helping him save his life. He has a tattoo of Long Island to forever remember the impact the region made on his recovery from his mental illness (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)

No matter what happens in Lehner’s return, he will surely get a raucous ovation. It will be a special moment for a special man.

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