Sometimes you hear of NHL teams splitting time between goalies in a tandem fashion. Essentially this allows teams to ride the hot hand, similarly to how MLB teams sometimes utilize a “closer by committee” system.
Even given that, it’s usually still something like a 70-30 split, or a 60-40. Not this season’s New York Islanders, however. They’re goalie tandem, made up of Robin Lehner and Thomas Greiss, is pretty much as evenly split as possible. Now nearly two-thirds of the way through the season, it’s actually kind of spooky how close their stats are.
They are dead even in games played and games started, as well as quality starts, while posting nearly identical numbers in shot/save departments as well. Lehner’s 666 saves (also spooky) beats Greiss out by one. Their shots against are just seven apart as well.
It’s a nice success story considering there wasn’t much in the way of expectations for the Isles. After losing John Tavares during the offseason, many thought they’d be bringing up the rear. Instead, they are sitting atop the Metropolitan Division. One that contains the defending Stanley Cup champion Washington Capitals in it.
The little add-on feel good aspect to this story is that Robin Lehner is involved when just 10 months ago he had to leave a game due to his battle with bipolar disorder, depression, and alcohol dependency.
It’s hard not to have a little piece of you cheering on the Isles season thus far. Who doesn’t love a good Cinderella story?
(H/T u/WingerSupreme)
