Changing Lehn-scape
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— SabresBuzz (@SabresBuzz) December 29, 2015Thanks, Sabres.com
Robin Lehner cannot wait for the calendar year of 2015 to die and go away for good.
Lehner's pro hockey life has been a complete downward spiral for nearly 11 months. When the clock strikes midnight on Friday morning, Lehner will have played just 32 minutes of NHL action in the calendar year 2015. That's right, 32 minutes of NHL hockey in 12 months.
Lehner has spent more time in bandages this year then King Tut did.
The hulking Swede net minder has been stuck in perpetual injury mode since last February 16 when he suffered a major concussion when he was bowled over by former Ottawa teammate Clarke MacArthur.
Lehner was never able to fully recover from the brain injury and was placed on season ending injured reserve by the Senators. Lehner's plan of care called for him to stay away from the ice rink, literally, while he recovered. Despite the inactivity caused by his head injury, Buffalo Sabres GM Tim Murray still had confidence in Lehner enough to trade for him. Murray traded the 21st overall pick in the 2015 NHL Draft in exchange for Lehner, who was not cleared to resume his on ice hockey routine until he was cleared by his doctors in late July. Lehner reported to Buffalo in early August and skated informally with his new teammates for a month. Then, training camp opened in early-September.
In the month between training camp and the October 8 season opener, Lehner worked extremely hard both on and off the ice to shake the caked on rust off his game and his physical fitness. Then, it happened again. Just 27 minutes into his Buffalo Sabres debut against his former club, Lehner took a stroll behind his net and attempted to play a play in his trapezoid. On his way back to his office, Lehner caught the toe of his right skate blade in an undetected divot in the ice. The diagnosis: high ankle sprain. Prognosis for recovery: 6-10 weeks, unless setbacks occurred.
Long story short, Lehner suffered a set back at the eight week mark on or around December 8. His timetable for full recovery and a return to action has not been determined yet, but its getting closer. All the while, Lehner has been working out aggressively off the ice. He has been working with his position coach and the strength and conditioning coach at HARBORCenter.
On Tuesday, Lehner practiced with his teammates for the first time since October. He joined Chad Johnson and Linus Ullmark in drills. By all acounts, he looked good.
Afterwards, Lehner said that he felt good being back on the ice with his teammates. He also said that there is no definite timetable for his return. When he finally is cleared to play, the Sabres will likely send him to AHL Rochester for some conditioning starts for the Amerks. Lehner said Tuesday that he still has an issue defending his right post. That will work itself out in the next 7-10 days.
Lehner is now at the 12 week mark of his recovery and things are FINALLY starting to look positive regarding a return to playing in games for his Sabres.
“When you get injured, I felt it last year for the first time with Ottawa. It was my first injury in my career. It just sucks being away from the guys. I was pretty unlucky to get it again right afterwards, especially I’m not used to being away from the guys. That’s the hard part. You miss being around.…
When he finally returns to the Sabres Lehner will have to play his way back into the starting job. Chad Johnson will likely remain the #1. Linus Ullmark will likely be sent to Rochester.
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