Robin Lehner and Barry Trotz were recognized by the Pro Hockey Writers Association for their efforts for the New York Islanders this season.
The New York Islanders earned two individual accolades and finished as a finalist in an additional category in the 2019 PHWA Midseason Awards, the association announced Thursday.
In an annual recognition of the best players and coaches at the halfway point of the season, the Islanders received two individual awards from a panel of 125 voters.
Barry Trotz received the Jack Adams Award, while Robin Lehner received the Comeback Player of the Year Award.
Lou Lamoriello finished third in voting for the GM of the Year Award, behind Brad Treliving of Calgary and Doug Wilson of San Jose.
Last season, the Pro Hockey Writers Association voted on midseason awards for the first time since 1968, with the stated goal of honoring those who have performed at a high level at the midpoint of the season.
In 2017-18, the midseason voting successfully mirrored the end-of-season results in the Norris (Victor Hedman) and Calder (Mathew Barzal) categories, among others.
The Islanders weren’t expected to compete for any awards this season, especially after captain John Tavares left for Toronto this summer. But through 45 games, the Islanders have the best record in the division, as they continue to turn heads and move up the latest power rankings.
The Islanders have experienced this success in no small part due to the goaltending of Robin Lehner, who has a 25-15-7 record and a league-leading 2.02 goals-against average.
Lehner spent the offseason unsure if any team would give him an opportunity after he went public with his story of mental illness and addiction.
The Islanders gave him a shot, and it has been rewarding for team and player.
Barry Trotz was hired by the Islanders in June after he didn’t agree with Capitals ownership on financials after leading Washington to the 2018 Stanley Cup.
He has been credited with installing a structured defensive system, which has helped the Islanders make the jump from last to first in the league. He is the consensus pick to win the Jack Adams Award, which is reflected in the PHWA voting.
Other winners include Tampa’s Nikita Kucherov (Hart Trophy), Calgary’s Mark Giordano (Norris) and Vancouver’s Elias Pettersson (Calder). The full list of winners can be found here.
