DeBoer doesn't regret playing Lehner over Fleury
Vegas Golden Knights head coach Peter DeBoer stands by his decision to play Robin Lehner instead of Marc-Andre Fleury as his team's starting goaltender in the postseason.
"We made that tough decision and I don't regret that," DeBoer told NHL.com's Danny Webster.
Lehner was stellar throughout the playoffs, and also Fleury performed admirably in his limited opportunities.
| Stat | Lehner | Fleury |
|---|---|---|
| Rec. | 9-7 | 3-1 |
| GAA | 1.99 | 2.27 |
| SV% | .917 | .910 |
| GSAA | 0.24 | -0.65 |
"Robin played at an elite level, and Flower played at a very good level," DeBoer said.
Lehner wasn't at his best, though, in the five-game series loss in the Western Conference Final against the Dallas Stars. After recording a 24-save shutout in Game 2, Lehner posted an .884 save percentage in Games 3, 4, and 5.
DeBoer was criticized by Fleury's agent, Allan Walsh, earlier in the postseason for choosing Lehner as the starter. Walsh tweeted out an image that implied DeBoer stabbed Fleury in the back. The netminders said they have a great relationship, though.
Lehner is a pending unrestricted free agent and recently denied a report that suggested he and the Golden Knights agreed on a five-year extension, according to Nick Cotsonika of NHL.com. Fleury is signed for two more seasons at an average annual value of $7 million.