2019 Masterson Trophy Odds: Lehner Heavily Favored Over Thornton & Foligno
- Oddsmakers list Robin Lehner as the overwhelming -3333 favorite to win the Bill Masterton Trophy
- Lehner, who led the Isles to the NHL’s lowest GAA, went public about his battle with mental health issues
- The Masterton Trophy recognizes perseverance, sportsmanship, and dedication to hockey
Robn Lehner pulled out all the stops this season. As well, he pulled back the curtain on his personal life.
The New York Islanders’ goalie teamed with Thomas Greiss to win the Jennings Trophy this season. They posted the lowest goals-against average in the NHL.
2018-19 Bill Masterton Trophy Odds
| Who Will Win the 2018-19 Masterton Trophy? | Odds |
|---|---|
| Robin Lehner | -3333 |
| Joe Thornton | +750 |
| Nick Foligno | +1400 |
*Odds taken 05/28/19.
Away from the rink. Lehner talked openly about his issues with manic depression and bi-polar disorder. Lehner’s mental health ailments led to suicidal thoughts, panic attacks and drug and alcohol abuse.
He turned around his life both on and off the ice. It’s made Lehner the overwhelming betting favorite among the three finalists for the 2018-19 Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy.
Lehner was in his first season with the Islanders, after splitting his first eight NHL seasons between the Ottawa Senators and Buffalo Sabres.
Who Was Bill Masterton?
To understand the concept of the Masterton Trophy, it’s essential to recognize who Bill Masterton was and why his memory is vital to the history of the game.
Reminder about a special report tonight at 10 on the 50th anniversary of the darkest day in NHL history. A tribute to Bill Masterton, the first North Star. See you at 10 on 5 Eyewitness News. pic.twitter.com/fig2TjW7pK
— Tom Hauser (@thauserkstp) February 12, 2018
A rookie forward with the 1967-68 Minnesota North Stars, Masterton scored the first goal in franchise history. But on January 13, 1968, in a game against the Oakland Seals, Masterton was checked hard by two Seals’ players. He fell backwards awkwardly and the back of his helmetless head thudded hard against the ice.
Happy 80th birthday today posthumously to former @DU_Hockey & Minnesota North Stars NHL centerman – Bill Masterton born in Winnipeg, Manitoba pic.twitter.com/ABXYnxa7o8
— Vintage MN Hockey (@VintageMNHockey) August 13, 2018
Bleeding from his nose, ears and mouth, Masterton was rushed to hospital. He never regained consciousness and two days later was dead, the victim of a massive brain injury. He remains the only on-ice fatality in NHL history.
Masterton’s death brought about calls from increased helmet use in the game. In 1968, the NHL introduced the Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy to honor his memory.
A Changing Legacy
The original intent of the award was to recognize lesser-known players in the game. It was for those who often toil in virtual obscurity. It was also intended for those who devote their life to the game but perhaps don’t get the recognition of the NHL’s stars.
Claude Provost: Most Stanley Cup Rings By A Non-Member Of The HHOF – more on his career: https://t.co/1MqAoGBVPu #montreal #canadiens #habs #nhl #hockeycards pic.twitter.com/XsAB7vWJuS
— Tom (@VHCReport) November 24, 2017
The early winners of the award fit the former mold. Claude Provost (1968) was a checker who did the dirty work without fanfare. Ted Hampson (1969) and Pit Martin (1970) were journeymen performers. They delivered the goods but received little fanfare for it.
Over the years, the award evolved into longevity acknowledgement. A tip of the cap to veteran players nearing the end of their careers. Today, it’s often about overcoming obstacles. Last year’s winner, Brian Boyle, beat cancer. Josh Harding, the 2013 winner, saw his career shortened by multiple sclerosis.
Robin Lehner made us all fans of his with his great redemption story this year. He will run away with the Bill Masterton Award, and he has probably inspired so many of his peers. He inspired all of us. What a story. What a guy.
— Eric Engels (@EricEngels) May 4, 2019
It’s why Lehner will be the runaway winner this year. His story fits perfectly into the narrative of what the Masterton Trophy has become all about.
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An industry veteran, Bob literally taught the course on the history of sports at Elder College. He has worked as a Sports Columnist for Postmedia, appeared as a guest on several radio stations, was the Vice President of the Society For International Hockey Research in Ontario, and written 25 books.
