Flyers’ Bobrovsky Named NHL Rookie of the Month

NEW YORK (December 2, 2010) — Philadelphia Flyers goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky, who posted a 7-1-2 record with a 2.02 goals-against average and .931 save percentage in 11 starts, has been named the NHL Rookie of the Month for November.

Bobrovsky edged Carolina Hurricanes forward Jeff Skinner (4-8–12 in 14 games) and Colorado Avalanche defenseman Kevin Shattenkirk (4-7–11 in 13 GP) for the award.

Bobrovsky allowed two goals or fewer in eight appearances, plus a season-high 36 saves in a 3-2 overtime loss at Washington on Nov. 7. He allowed just one goal in victories over the New York Rangers (4-1, Nov. 4), New York Islanders (2-1, Nov. 6), Carolina Hurricanes (8-1, Nov. 11), Ottawa Senators (5-1, Nov. 15) and Minnesota Wild (6-1, Nov. 24).

Signed by the Flyers as a free agent on May 6, 2010 after playing two seasons in the KHL with Novokuznetsk, Bobrovsky arrived at training camp in September with little fanfare. The 22-year-old Russian’s strong play in the pre-season and an injury to 2010 playoff hero Michael Leighton opened the door for a spot on the big-league roster and the honor of starting the team’s season-opener at Pittsburgh.

A strong start to the season, which included a five-game winning streak and 10 consecutive games without a regulation loss (9-0-1), earned Bobrovsky the starting job. He is tied for third among NHL goaltenders in wins (12-4-2) and ranks sixth in goals-against average (2.18) and save percentage (.926).

Sergei Bobrovsky in November

Date    Opponent    Mins.    Shots    GA    Result

Nov. 1    CAROLINA    60    28    2    3-2 win
Nov. 4    NY RANGERS    60    21    1    4-1 win
Nov. 6    at NY Islanders    60    32    1    2-1 win
Nov. 7    at Washington    61    39    3    3-2 loss (OT)
Nov. 11    at Carolina    60    36    1    8-1 win
Nov. 13    FLORIDA    60    36    2    5-2 win
Nov. 15    OTTAWA    60    29    1    5-1 win
Nov. 16    at Montreal    59    28    3    3-0 loss
Nov. 18    TAMPA BAY    20    11    4    8-7 loss (no decision)
Nov. 24    at Minnesota    60    16    1    6-1 win
Nov. 26    CALGARY    65    30    2    3-2 loss (shootout)