Isles Day-to-Day: Lehner Returns to Practice

Robin Lehner was back at practice on Friday afternoon, skating for the first time with the team since leaving Tuesday's win over Pittsburgh with a strain.
"[I feel] pretty good. Good day today," Lehner said. "I just felt something in my back [on Tuesday] and it kind of started spasming a bit. We've been working on it and it definitely feels better."
Christopher Gibson, who was an emergency recall on Wednesday, stayed on the ice for practice on Friday, as Barry Trotz said he'll make a decision on Lehner's status on Saturday.

"Robin feels pretty good, so we'll see tomorrow where he is," Trotz said. "He got through workout, practice and we'll see how he is tomorrow and if he's good we'll make a decision at that point."

Lehner is 4-2-1 to start the season with a 2.45 goals-against average and a .928 save percentage. If Lehner can't go against the New Jersey Devils on Saturday night, the Islanders are still in capable hands in Thomas Greiss, who has been the first star in his last two starts.
"We've both been playing well, we're both working hard in practice, it's a really good partnership," Lehner said. "If you look at the league these days, you need two good goalies."
Regardless of who starts Saturday, the Islanders - who have won four straight games - are confident in whoever is between the pipes.
"Both guys have done a great job. As a team we really feed off their confidence and their energy," Josh Bailey said. "As a group it brings a lot of confidence through us and a lot of belief we're going to get the job done when they're playing the way they have been."

MARTIN TAKES MAINTENANCE DAY:

Matt Martin was absent from Friday's practice, as he took a maintenance day, according to Trotz. Martin briefly left Thursday's win in the second period after going awkwardly into the boards, but returned for the third period.
Trotz said he expects Martin to be available for Saturday's game. Ross Johnston took Martin's spot at Friday's practice.