Mason remains among the top two in shutouts and goals-against
average and ranks in the top 10 in wins and save
percentage. With those kind of accomplishments, it is difficult
to imagine anyone else posing next to the Calder Trophy in
June. But in the meantime, the Blue Jackets are hanging on to a
playoff spot, and that is the prize Mason and his teammates are
focused on. "He saved our season," Columbus' Mike
Commodore told the CBC.
Ryan swapped his No. 54 jersey for No. 9, but his numbers keep
climbing. The 22-year-old not only leads all rookies with 24
goals, but leads his team in that department as well. Not bad
considering he's played at least 14 fewer games than Anaheim's
top three scorers. "He really has no weaknesses," linemate Teemu
Selanne told the National Post.
Despite Ryan's hot pursuit of the rookie scoring title, Versteeg
is still hanging on with 49 points. Injuries forced the
Blackhawks to shift him off of the top line and briefly move him
to center. The rookie excelled playing a two-way game, but it
limited his scoring chances. "Center is a pretty big role," he
told the Chicago Tribune. "It's pretty tough to play
strong at both ends."
Is 2009 the year of the rookie goaltender? Rinne, who makes the
Calder cutoff by a mere 49 days, is making a case for
that. Although he only leads Columbus' Steve Mason in save
percentage, the Finn ranks second in shutouts (7) and third in
goals-against average (2.26). He assumed the starting role in
Nashville and earned Rookie of the Month honors in February.
The more Los Angeles gains in the playoff race, the more press
Doughty receives. The 18-year-old's numbers aren't close to the
top of the rookie scoring charts, but he's earned close to 24
minutes a game and praise for his on-ice poise. Team Canada GM
Steve Yzerman has mentioned Doughty as a candidate for the 2010
Olympic team. With that kind of clout, it's hard to imagine
Doughty not contending for the Calder Trophy.
Many predicted Stamkos, the first overall pick in 2008, would
dominate his rookie class, but a dysfunctional season in Tampa
Bay held his production and development back. Coach Rick Tocchet
has worked with Stamkos on bulking up for the rigors of NHL
play, and it has shown on the scoresheet. His 36 points are good
enough for seventh place among his peers.
