Season Projections - 1. Robin Lehner has something to prove in 2016-17
Going into 2015-16 Goaltender Robin Lehner was just trying to play hockey. His hope was to stay healthy and prove Tim Murray's decision to trade a first round pick for his services was the right choice. Lehner's hopes were dashed on opening night, when a high ankle sprain put him back on IR immediately, not to be seen on the frozen sheet again for over 3 months.
The task this season is much different. It isn't to prove to the media or the fans that Tim Murray isn't crazy. We already know he kind of is, and we love him for it. This season's expectations aren't just to gel the team and get the rookies some experience. We already know what Jack Eichel and Sam Reinhart are all about. They are going to join forces with Ryan O'Reilly and Kyle Okposo up front, and lead this team for the next several years. Lehner's future with the team can be just as bright as those guys, but it is nowhere near as a clear picture in the crystal ball.
What to expect from Lehner this year:
2016-17 Stat Projection
Starts | W | L | SO/OT L | Sv% | GAA | SO |
58 | 28 | 24 | 6 | .923 | 2.49 | 3 |
This means that the Buffalo Sabres would gain 62 points with Lehner starting, and would need to pick up 33 more in the remaining 24 games in order to hit the projected total of 95 needed to make the playoffs. This is probably a tall task for the backup goaltenders.
