Top Plays of 2014: Robin Lehner
The second installment of Silver Seven's week-long look at the top Ottawa Senators plays of 2014.
Yesterday, we got our first taste of one of the best Ottawa Senators' plays of 2014, courtesy of Bobby Ryan. Today, we continue with the impressive heroics and feature Robin Lehner and his mighty paddle.
The Columbus Blue Jackets visited the Ottawa Senators on the night of October 18, 2014. Half-way through the first period, Robin Lehner was required to go above the call of duty. Alexander Wennberg, who was searching for his first NHL goal, was parked on the doorstep and received a rebound with the net almost wide open.
Lehner obviously didn't want Wennberg to score his first goal on him though...
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What is fantastic about this save is the desperation of it. Lehner had to make an initial save and as he was about to freeze the puck, Wennberg scooped it away from him, causing him to be totally out of position. All Wennberg had to do was tap it in, yet Lehner was fast enough to dive back with his stick out and pull the puck in. The speed, reaction time, and agility required to make such a save is incredible in and of itself.
The Senators ended up winning that game and much of the thanks was given to Lehner. He finished the game with a .950 save percentage and had to make other big saves. He even played part of the game without a neck protector after his broke. This was definitely a game where Lehner showed that he's not just a backup goalie.