Islanders call up Christopher Gibson with Robin Lehner's status uncertain

Lehner suffered apparent head injury during collision Tuesday night

3/6/2019, 9:57 PM
Mar 5, 2019; Uniondale, NY, USA; Ottawa Senators left wing Brady Tkachuk (7) is pushed over New York Islanders goalie Robin Lehner (40) by New York Islanders center Brock Nelson (29) during the third period at Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports / Brad Penner
Mar 5, 2019; Uniondale, NY, USA; Ottawa Senators left wing Brady Tkachuk (7) is pushed over New York Islanders goalie Robin Lehner (40) by New York Islanders center Brock Nelson (29) during the third period at Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports / Brad Penner

In a sign that Robin Lehner won't be healthy for Thursday's game after being run over Tuesday night by Ottawa's Brady Tkachuk, the Islanders recalled goalie Christopher Gibson from AHL Bridgeport on an emergency basis.

Lehner, who's been a steal on a one-year, $1.5 million deal, left Tuesday's shootout win late in the third period and was replaced by Thomas Greiss. Lehner ostensibly has a head injury but the Islanders had no update on Lehner's status on Wednesday, according to Newsday.

Goaltending has been the strength of the Islanders all season. Lehner is tied for the NHL lead in goals-against average at 2.19 and has a .927 save percentage in 38 games. Greiss, meanwhile, has a 2.23 GAA and a .928 save percentage.

Greiss likely will start Thursday as the Isles finish a home-and-home in Ottawa.

In 13 career NHL games, Gibson has a .356 GAA and .901 save percentage. He appeared in one game this season for the Islanders, allowing one goal on seven shots in Pittsburgh on Dec. 6. Gibson has a 2.89 GAA in 33 games with Bridgeport this season along with a .900 save percentage.

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