Lehner shows love to Islanders ahead of return, says fans 'saved my life'

Robin Lehner returns to play on Long Island on Sunday for the first time since his lone season with the New York Islanders.

Despite his short time in orange and blue, the Vegas Golden Knights goalie has a special relationship with the team and its fans. Lehner credits Islanders fans for helping him battle his bipolar disorder and addiction.
During the 2017-18 season, as a member of the Buffalo Sabres, Lehner checked into a rehab facility. He was released by the Sabres after the season and started losing hope that he would play hockey again.
Then New York general manager Lou Lamoriello called.
"The Islanders were ready to take a chance with me," Lehner
wrote in The Athletic
. "I was relieved that I could start a new chapter. When I was finally offered the deal, I was so happy. I finally had someone who believed in me, now sober."
Lehner also shared that, even though he is no longer on the Islanders and doesn't have to be clean shaven, he cut off his beard in a nod of appreciation to Lamoriello.

In July 2018, Lehner signed a one-year contract with the Islanders. In 46 games, he posted a .930 save percentage, the third-highest of his NHL career.
After COVID-19 scheduling modifications kept Lehner out of New York in 2020, he will finally return when the Islanders host the Golden Knights at UBS Arena.
"It's going to be emotional," Lehner

. "I will say it again, [the Islanders fan base] saved my life. They have a special place in my heart, in my family's heart."