Eyes On Isles
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New York Islanders Goaltending Advantage vs Hurricanes

By Matt O'Leary|
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)

The New York Islanders have an advantage in terms of goalies. It comes as no surprise, as Robin Lehner is better than most goalies night in and night out.

Robin Lehner has been downright sensational for the New York Islanders in both the regular season and the playoffs. In the 82 game season, he went 25-13-5 with a .930 save percentage and a 2.13 goals against average.

A save percentage that high, and goals against that low, are very rare to see. Lehner went from having the worst year of his professional career to his best in just one short year.

In the playoffs Lehner has been even better, he has a .956 save percentage and a 1.47 goals against average. Three times in the Pittsburgh series he allowed just one goal, while in Game 1 he allowed three goals, just one at 5-on-5.

On the flip side, the Carolina Hurricanes are running out Petr Mrazek who had a bit of a resurging year as well. He had a .914 save percentage and a 2.39 goals against average in 40 regular season games.

In the playoffs, he’s been pretty pedestrian. He has a .899 save percentage and a 2.54 goals against average. One of his major issues is the number of rebounds he gives up. In the Capitals series, Mrazek allowed three goals off the rebound.

If the Isles are able to get him moving they should be in pretty good shape. Yes, Carolina has an impressive defensive core but at the end of the day the play in net should be the difference and Robin’s just better.

It would be hard to imagine Lehner keeping up his Round 1 pace but even if he “drops” to his regular season self the Isles will be in fine shape.

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