Detroit Hockey Now’s Kevin Allen also posts a daily column on Hockeybuzz.com, and he discusses the Red Wings’ rookies among his “Thursday Thoughts“:
Everyone is correct in their assessment that rookies are helping the Detroit Red Wings be an improved team. But everyone is wrong about how many rookies are contributing.
The belief is two rookies, defenseman Moritz Seider and left wing Lucas Raymond, are carrying the Red Wings. But it’s actually been three rookies carrying the load. People forget goalie Alex Nedeljkovic is still technically a rookie. And he is contributing as much as Seider and Raymond.
“It’s been a great confidence boost to know that he’s gonna be there every night,” Red Wings captain Dylan Larkin said.
Seider was Rookie of the Month in October and Raymond won for last month. But you could have easily picked Nedejkovic for November. He was 6-2-1, with a 2.24 GAA and .934 save percentage. Nedeljkovic was a finalist for Rookie of the Year last season when he played for the Carolina Hurricanes. But he still meets the criteria to be considered a rookie this season.
Continued; we know in Detroit…
The belief is two rookies?? Your belief maybe. These kind of , whatever you call them, must have to right something EVERY day even if it is well known to ALL.
Before Ned even got to Detroit one of his attributes was he was up for the Calder last year and why the Canes even thought about letting him leave. Most Hockey people can count numbers of Games aside from $$$.
So does Ned have a Calder Advantage this year or was a loser last year, so he will tumble in the voting. Most Voting can not count but might catch on if they read or hear what will happen with Ned this year.
Being a Goalie Nut, I still think if Ned can keep his stats even better on a team that probably is still rebuilding, I think he has a Shot.
What should happen is only Seider and Raymond should be on the ice with Ned in Goal. How many times can Lucas Beat Seider and then Ned or any other combinations.
Surely, I can return to bed, (PST time) and not have to worry as the Voters will still be trying to figure out who is the Calder Cup winner or is there a Dark horse in the race? There is really only 3/4 of the season and some politics to sway voters then we ALL will know. The correct answer to all Awards will be known after the votes are counted.
Honestly , these young men must be going insane with these people asking questions. Would “No Comment” make them losers???