Islanders Represent at 2019 NHL Awards: Lehner Wins Masterton and Trotz Wins Adams

Tonight, our New York Islanders were represented by their Head Coach, Barry Trotz, and their goaltenders, Robin Lehner and Thomas Greiss at the NHL Awards in Las Vegas. Barry Trotz enjoyed a successful first campaign behind the Islanders bench, leading New York to a 48-27-0-7 record and 103 points, the highest total since the 1983-84 season. The Isles netminders had something to do with that as well. Lehner and Greiss were winners of the William M. Jennings Trophy for the NHL's top goaltending tandem, allowing the fewest goals in the NHL at 196. The last time the Islanders won the Jennings Trophy was 1983 (Billy Smith and Roland Melanson.)

Robin Lehner won the Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy given annually to the National Hockey League player who best exemplifies the qualities of perseverance, sportsmanship, and dedication to ice hockey. Lehner overcame his battles with addiction and mental illness with his professional and personal life, admittedly at an all-time low. He acknowledged he had a problem and got help with the support of friends, family and, hockey family and overcame his most significant obstacle. "I’m not ashamed to admit I’m mentally ill. But that doesn’t mean I’m mentally weak.” Such a fantastic story and I was thrilled to see him play a significant role in writing the story of our Islanders this season.

He was also nominated for the Vezina trophy, awarded to the top goaltender in the NHL. Per NHL PR, "Robin Lehner established a franchise record in save percentage (.930), aided by an eight-game win streak. He helped the Islanders become the second team in NHL history (and first since 1918-19) to go from worst to first in team goals against." Andrei Vasilevskiy of the Tampa Bay Lightning won the award.

Lehner finished the 2018-19 campaign with a 25-13-0-5 record with a .930Sv% and a 2.13GAA and 5 shut outs. Congrats to Robin Lehner on his Vezina Trophy nomination for helping to backstop the Isles in a most memorable season. We are so appreciative for your work in our net this year.

There is no doubt the guidance of Mitch Korn and Piero Greco helped the Isles goalies elevate their game, and the coaching staff provided the X's and O's that enabled the Islanders to reach the second round of the playoffs.

Barry Trotz won the Jack Adams Trophy given annually to the NHL coach adjudged to have contributed the most to his team's success in his first season with New York. It's his second Jack Adams (WSH in 2016.) The great Al Arbour won the award in 1978-79. Trotz's Islanders were ranked 5th in the NHL, and he helped turn the team from worst to first, defensively behind a restructured defense and improved goalkeeping and a 23 point improvement over 2017-18. His approach was a human first mindset, and with the aid of his coaching staff, they helped the Islanders have a fantastic season.

In other big News, the Islanders, announced today that Jim Hiller was added to Trotz's staff as an Assistant Coach. Hiller is a Power play specialist. Something the Islanders have sorely missed in their game. Hiller was an Assistant with Toronto for four seasons where he was under the eye of Isles General Manager, Lou Lamoriello.

Let's once again salute our New York Islanders Ownership on John Ledecky and Scott D. Malkin for giving the Organization the tools and freedom to repurpose itself front the front office on out.

I can't wait until next season. I love cheering for these guys.

Isles Notes:

The 2019 NHL Entry Draft is this weekend on Friday 6/21 and Saturday 6/22.

Islanders Preseason Schedule: 9/16 at Philadelphia 9/17 vs. Flyers at Barclays 9/20 at Detroit 9/21 at New Jersey 9/23 vs. Red Wings at Coliseum 9/24 at Rangers 9:28 vs. Rangers at Bridgeport.

Per Dan Rosen, "Islanders goalie Robin Lehner said he does not want to become a UFA, that he wants to re-sign with the Islanders, and he remains hopeful of that happening. "I like the people there. I love my teammates. I love the organization. So obviously, I want to be back."

"Lehner said he doesn't care if it's a short-term deal or a long-term deal, he wants to return to the Islanders. "I know the team knows where I stand, and I just hope something works out."

Per Andrew Gross, “#Isles Lou Lamoriello finished fifth in GM of the year voting. Had the same eight first-place votes as winner Don Sweeney of Bruins. Third-place finisher Don Waddell of Hurricanes had most first-place votes with nine. Lamoriello also had four second-place votes and four thirds.”

Per Eric Hornick, “How much did Barry Trotz change Mat Barzal's game? The Kid Who Won the Calder was the highest-rated #isles in the Selke voting (ironically tied with John Tavares). Casey Cizikas was just behind them. #NHLAwards”