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New York Islanders Three Candidates for 2018-19 Team MVP

UNIONDALE, NEW YORK - JANUARY 20: Robin Lehner #40 of the New York Islanders pauses during the third period against the Anaheim Ducks at NYCB Live at the Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum on January 20, 2019 in Uniondale, New York. The Islanders defeated the Ducks 3-0. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)
UNIONDALE, NEW YORK - JANUARY 20: Robin Lehner #40 of the New York Islanders pauses during the third period against the Anaheim Ducks at NYCB Live at the Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum on January 20, 2019 in Uniondale, New York. The Islanders defeated the Ducks 3-0. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images) /
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GLENDALE, ARIZONA – DECEMBER 18: Goaltender Robin Lehner #40 of the New York Islanders in action during the NHL game against the Arizona Coyotes at Gila River Arena on December 18, 2018 in Glendale, Arizona. The Islanders defeated the Coyotes 3-1. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /

Robin Lehner

At the time of writing, Robin Lehner is third in the NHL for save percentage with a 0.929 and second in goals-against average with a 2.13. (Rankings are for goalies who’ve played at least 20 games this season.)

It all started with a shutout in his first start of the season, and there hasn’t been a let down since. Robin Lehner has been absolutely fantastic for the New York Islanders this season.

No one expected it. Lou Lamoriello picked up Lehner on a $1.5 million single-year deal from the free agent discard barrel after the Sabres decided to not qualify his restricted free agent offer.

Through his 37 games played this season he’s consistently given the New York Islanders a chance to win. Of those 37 games played, he’s won 20 of them.

After last season’s debacle in net for the Islanders, getting a performance like this from Robin Lehner is refreshing. Islanders fans have been dying to get solid goaltending for years.

When was the last time the Islanders had a goalie who was at the top of the league in both important statistical categories? Was it Billy Smith? Probably.

Billy Smith last played in 1989. That was 30 years ago. That’s how long the Islanders have been waiting for solid goalkeeping. Robin Lehner is giving them that this season and because of his play the New York Islanders are far from where everyone expected them to be.

No one thought the Islanders would be near the top of their division. And no one certainly thought that Robin Lehner could be at the top of his craft. But here we are.

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