Islanders vs. Blackhawks: Betting odds, lineups, Robin Lehner in other crease

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TORONTO, ON – DECEMBER 29: Devon Toews #25 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) /

Players to Watch

D. . New York Islanders. . Devon Toews

Devon Toews has gone through a rough time leading up to the Christmas break. The offense hasn’t been coming of late, and he hasn’t looked great defensively either.

The Islanders defenseman hasn’t put up a point since December 12 against the Florida Panthers. That’s five games without a point. Worse is he’s been out there for five goals against in 5on5 situations. (Only Nick Leddy has more on the blue line with six.)

Like Matt O’Leary and I talked about on our recent podcast, the Islanders need to return to basics if they’re going to find success. That applies on a macro level for the team and on a micro-level for players like Devon Toews, who haven’t been at their best going into the break.

Let’s see if Toews can get back to basics tonight.

G. . Chicago Blackhawks. . Robin Lehner

This was always going to be a tough year for Chicago. They just aren’t the same dominant team they used to be just a few years ago. But when life gives you lemons you make lemonade, right?

That’s effectively what Robin Lehner is doing out in Chicago. On a depleted team, and now decimated with injury, Lehner is having a good year. His 2.86GAA is a tad high but he’s supporting a 0.924SV% to go with it.

Perhaps if the Blackhawks would keep the number of shots down Lehner could be even better. He’s averaging 36.5 shots against per start and has already faced 50+ shots on three occasions. Against Toronto on November 10, Lehner faced 57 shots, he stopped 53 of them for the win.

It’s nice to see that last season wasn’t a fluke for Robin Lehner even if he’s doing it on another team.