It is, quite simply, as spectacular a rookie class as there has been in the NHL, both in terms of quality and quantity.

There is Alexander Ovechkin’s 51-goal, 103-point, big-hit, lift you out of your seat every time he touches the puck season.

There is 18-year-old Sidney Crosby’s passionate pursuit of 100 points, a feat that if not for Ovechkin’s pyrotechnics would be one for the ages. [.continue.]

Bob McKenzie comes up with this years all rookie team. He has Jeff Carter centering the 2nd line with Mike Richards centering the 3rd. A Flyers rookie that is often forgotten is R.J. Umberger. His offense number equals Carters and Richards with a few less games played. I also think that Freddy Meyer could get some sort of honorable mention. For a small guy he is done ok. Being compared to a Brian Rafalski is a good thing.
And if you are going to give Pascal Leclaire an honorable mention, you got to give one to Antero Niittymaki. Leclaire’s save percentage is 0.015 better, but Niitty’s goals against, shutouts and wins stats are better.