Silver Nuggets: Expectations for Robin Lehner

Because why would I talk about non-Swedes?

Having smartly navigated the game of politics last season, Robin Lehner enters this season without any competition for the backup goaltender job in the NHL. The 2013-2014 season will be the last year of Lehner's entry-level contract after which he is a restricted free agent. So what can we expect from him this season?

Lehner had a spectacular season in all levels of hockey with save percentages of 93.8% in 31 AHL games and 93.6% in 12 NHL games. He has a career save percentage of 92.5% in 25 NHL games, which is pretty good right?The young Swede is certainly trending in the right direction and the club is going to give him every chance to become a star.

What's the plan for Lehner this season? Unless Craig Anderson completely falters or is injured, it is likely Lehner won't see more than 25 to 30 games even if he outplays Anderson. Anderson had a pretty amazing season himself but he will be feeling the full force of player 40's hunt. The average save percentage in the NHL last season was 91.2% but it was 91.6% among goalies that played at least 30 games.

The coming season will give the clearest indication of where Lehner is at in his development as he will likely double the number of NHL games he has played. It is very unlikely that Lehner will post a 93.6 save % again as only Brian Elliott, Tim Thomas, Dominik Hasek and Corey Schneider have ever done that in at least 30 games.

Is Lehner better than an average goaltender? Probably. But how much better is he?

Senators news

  • Can you imagine Paul MacLean as a lobster fisherman? He talks about his home of Antigonish, Nova Scotia as well as the departure of Daniel Alfredsson. (Metro News)
  • The NHL hopes the Heritage Classic will be an outdoor game. If the weather doesn't cooperate game, the outdoor game will actually be an indoor game in a larger venue. (Canada.com)
  • Corey Cowick was re-signed to a one-year two-way contract. (Ottawa Citizen)
  • The good people at WTYKY look at the Panthers selling tickets for $7 as well are free jerseys, parking and more. He then compares that to Ottawa's tickets and jerseys and feels the club's finances are probably not that bad. He concludes that Eugene Melnyk's crying poor will eventually lead to him getting the casino. (WTYKY)
I have to go for lunch with my brother so that's all I got. Sorry Mark, don't fire me. :(

What will Robin Lehner's save percentage be this season assuming 30 games?

< 90.0%5
90.0% to 90.4%8
90.5% to 90.9%28
91% to 91.4%54
91.5% to 91.9%106
92% to 92.4%116
>= 92.5%113

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