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New York Islanders Four Players With Incredible Bounce Back Seasons

TORONTO, ON - DECEMBER 29: Brock Nelson #29 of the New York Islanders skates against the Toronto Maple Leafs during an NHL game at Scotiabank Arena on December 29, 2018 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. The Islanders defeated the Maple Leafs 4-0.(Photo by Claus Andersen/Getty Images)
TORONTO, ON - DECEMBER 29: Brock Nelson #29 of the New York Islanders skates against the Toronto Maple Leafs during an NHL game at Scotiabank Arena on December 29, 2018 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. The Islanders defeated the Maple Leafs 4-0.(Photo by Claus Andersen/Getty Images) /
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NEW YORK, NEW YORK – OCTOBER 24: Robin Lehner #40 of the New York Islanders tends net against the Florida Panthers at the Barclays Center on October 24, 2018 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. The Panthers defeated the Islanders 3-2 in overtime. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images) /

Robin Lehner

With a Vezina finalist nod, Robin Lehner can potentially receive three NHL trophies this season. He and teammate Thomas Greiss have already won the Jennings trophy for allowing the fewest goals against over the season. The third could, and probably will be the Masterton trophy.

By June Robin Lehner could be voted as the best goalie in the league for the 2018-19 season, allowed the fewest number of goals against (as a team) over the course of the year, and be voted as that year’s embodiment of perseverance, sportsmanship, and dedication.

The turnaround has been incredible from Robin Lehner. Not just on a personal level. His one-on-one with Arthur Staple (subscription required) on Sunday was a great peek into how things have gone for Lehner since that piece with the Athletic at the start of the season.

His turnaround professionally, as a goalie has been just as remarkable. Last season with the Buffalo Sabres, Robin Lehner played in 53 games and held a 3.01GAA and a 0.908SV%. By the end of June, he found himself without a qualifying offer from the Buffalo Sabres and as a result, he hit unrestricted free agency much earlier than anticipated.

The Islanders scooped him up for a single year at $1.5 million. A bargain considering what he was making in Buffalo and what would come from the Swedish goalie.

Under a Barry Trotz defense that focuses on defense, Lehner (and Greiss) excelled. In 46 games played he finished the year with a 2.13GAA and a 0.930SV%. Over a single season, he shed 0.88 goals against average and stopped 0.022 percent more pucks. Incredible.

Lehner is scheduled to become an unrestricted free agent at the end of the season. You have to think Lou Lamoriello tries to keep hold of Lehner and gives him a significant raise.

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