WASHINGTON — Goalie Robin Lehner is covering a lot of ground these days.
Lehner, called up on an emergency basis with Pascal Leclaire injured, was returned to AHL Binghamton on Saturday so he could face the Manchester Monarchs.
While it’s the second time in less than a week Lehner has made the four-hour drive between Bingo and Ottawa, the Senators want him playing. He’ll rejoin them in time to back up Brian Elliott on Sunday.
“(Lehner) needs to (play) games. He needs to develop,” coach Cory Clouston said Saturday. “He’s only played 10 games (in the AHL) all year. He hasn’t had a real, full season so far. He’s got to get in game shape.
“He’s got to get sharp and, to me, it’s all about getting in games.”
Lehner, 19, won his first NHL start 6-4 over the Islanders with a 20-save performance on Thursday.
bruce.garrioch@sunmedia.ca
