Morning skate update: Lehner gets the start against Bruins
Robin Lehner will start in goal for the Ottawa Senators against the Boston Bruins Thursday night.
One year after posting his only NHL shutout here against the Boston Bruins, Robin Lehner will be back in net for the Ottawa Senators Thursday night.
It’s a bit of a surprise, considering that Ben Bishop is fresh from stopping 44 shots — and four of five during a shootout — in the Senators’ 2-1 win over the Montreal Canadiens Monday.
“When I’m up here, I have a lot of respect for the other two goalies here (Bishop and the injured Craig Anderson), but I’ve had good success in the American Hockey League,” said Lehner.
Lehner has patiently waited for his chance to play his first NHL game of the season.
“It’s part of the process and sometimes I need to slow myself down and realize I’m only 21. It’s still the early part of my career. Every game, every practice up here is a step in my career.”
Exactly one year ago, Lehner stopped 32 shots in a 1-0 shutout of the Bruins.
The Senators, who have won five straight games, will make no other changes.
The Bruins, who have won four straight games, are expected to start Tuukka Rask in goal.
Lehner was obviously good last year against the Bruins, but Bishop has been really strong since he took over from Anderson. Isn’t there an easier team to put Lehner out against, like the Islanders or does the coaching staff see a difference in styles that suggests Lehner is the right goalie for Boston?