Lehner defends in-game wave, questions broadcast's portrayal

A thoughtful Robin Lehner met with the media Thursday, and addressed the circumstances surrounding his contentious removal from Tuesday's loss to the Toronto Maple Leafs.

The Buffalo Sabres netminder was lifted after allowing three goals in less than 10 minutes - shortly after waving back at a fan acknowledging him live during a timeout through a phone held by their mother.

Lehner defended his moment with the fan between sips during the stoppage, taking issue with the broadcast's portrayal, and how his intentions were framed in that moment.

He said it was made out to be a "half-Hollywood movie."

"It's a mom with a 5-year-old kid waving in his pajamas," Lehner told Bill Hoppe of the Times Herald. "You know what? I'm going to wave back. I don't care what anyone thinks."

Lehner stared down Sabres head coach Dan Bylsma after being lifted from the game. He slammed his helmet in frustration, and flung off a few other pieces of equipment before sitting down beside the fan who was on their phone with their kid, adding to the theater.

"I understand what it's coming from, it's all entertainment to them, but it's a real-life reaction from me, and I accept the responsibility of it. I got mad. I let in three goals in 10 minutes."

He added: "I'll make adjustments. But at the same time, it's hypocritical to apologize for who you are. I'm a competitive guy that doesn't want to get out of the net. I don't want to get out of the net. I want to sink with the ship or be able to stand in there and come back."