Should the Golden Knights have started Robin Lehner or Marc-Andre Fleury against the Canucks in Game 7? That debate could linger for sometime, but there’s no denying that Lehner made an outstanding save in Game 7.
After the Canucks played passively (even more than usual since turning to Thatcher Demko) during the first period, you wouldn’t blame Lehner if he took a nap. Either way, Lehner was sharp enough to absolutely rob a wide open Brock Boeser.
Consider this Lehner glove save one of the best of the 2020 Stanley Cup Playoffs.
Just WOW, Robin Lehner. 😳#VegasBorn | #StanleyCup pic.twitter.com/1uowLmDhPc
— NBC Sports Hockey (@NBCSportsHockey) September 5, 2020
[NBC 2020 STANLEY CUP PLAYOFF HUB]
As brilliant as Demko was in Game 7 (and the last three games of the series), Lehner and the Golden Knights got the last laugh. The passive Canucks only really attacked once they were down 1-0 in Game 7, opening the door for Lehner’s 14-save shutout.
Yet, when you look at Lehner’s save against Boeser, you’ll realize that even “easy” shutouts tend to be pretty tough in the 2020 Stanley Cup Playoffs.
No. 1 Vegas Golden Knights vs. No. 5 Vancouver Canucks (VGK wins series 4-3)
Game 1: Golden Knights 5, Canucks 0. (recap)
Game 2: Canucks 5, Golden Knights 2. (recap)
Game 3: Golden Knights 3, Canucks 0. (recap)
Game 4: Golden Knights 5, Canucks 3. (recap)
Game 5: Canucks 2, Golden Knights 1. (recap)
Game 6: Canucks 4, Golden Knights 0. (recap)
Game 7: Golden Knights 3, Canucks 0. (recap)
MORE STANLEY CUP COVERAGE:
• Stanley Cup Playoffs Second Round schedule
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James O’Brien is a writer for Pro Hockey Talk on NBC Sports. Drop him a line at phtblog@nbcsports.com or follow him on Twitter @cyclelikesedins.