USAToday Sports Images
USAToday Sports Images

 

DUCKS’ GIBSON NAMED NHL ROOKIE OF THE MONTH FOR DECEMBER

 Anaheim Ducks goaltender John Gibson, who went 5-3-1 with a 1.62 goals-against average, .929 save percentage and three shutouts in 10 appearances, has been named the NHL’s Rookie of the Month for December.

Gibson edged Chicago Blackhawks left wing Artemi Panarin (4-7—11 in 15 GP), Buffalo Sabres center Jack Eichel (3-8—11 in 14 GP), Tampa Bay Lightning center Jonathan Marchessault (5-4—9 in 13 GP) and Philadelphia Flyers defenseman Shayne Gostisbehere (3-6—9 in 12 GP) for the honor.

Gibson, a second-round selection (39th overall) in the 2011 NHL Draft, shared the League lead in shutouts with Chicago Blackhawks goaltender Corey Crawford (13 GP). He recorded two of his three blank sheets with consecutive 1-0 victories to close the month, snapping the Calgary Flames’ franchise-record 11-game home winning streak with a 14-save performance Dec. 29 and ending the calendar year with a 21-save game against the Edmonton Oilers Dec. 31.

Gibson, who has appeared in 41 career NHL games, owns an 8-4-2 record with a 1.63 goals-against average, .932 save percentage and four shutouts in 15 outings this season. He paces all goaltenders in goals-against average, ranks fourth in save percentage and is tied for third in shutouts.

Gibson joins Edmonton Oilers center Connor McDavid (October) and Detroit Red Wings center Dylan Larkin (November) as Rookie of the Month winners in 2015?16.

* Information provided via NHL Press Release