Colorado Avalanche forward Gabriel Landeskog has been named Rookie of the Month for February. Landeskog recorded 7 goals and 6 assists in 12 games during February, including a two-goal game against Detroit on February 25th. He beat out fellow rookies Carl Hagelin (3g, 6a, 13 games, Rangers), Adam Henrique (2g, 5a, 11 games, Devils), Marcus Kruger (5g, 2a, 14 games, Blackhawks), Brayden Schenn (4g, 1a, 13 games, Flyers), and Justin Faulk (3g, 2a, 11 games, Hurricanes). Click here to see Landeskog talking about the honor of being Rookie of the Month.
From Avalanche.com
Landeskog ranked third among all skaters with 55 shots and led all rookies with a +9 rating. He closed the month on a six-game point streak, recording five goals and five assists as the Avalanche won five of six games to move within a point of the eighth seed in the Western Conference. Landeskog leads all rookies in shots (208) and plus/minus (+21), is tied for the lead in goals (18) and is second in points (40) in 65 games. He also ranks in the top five among freshmen skaters in assists (22), power-play goals (four), power-play points (nine) and game-winning goals (three).
The Avalanche won 7 of those 12 games with Landeskog recording at least a point in each of them. He went pointless in only three games, all of which were losses. The rookie's impact on the team's success is unquestionable, and unlike many freshmen players, he has yet to hit a wall. In fact, he continues to get better. As the year goes on, he climbs in the rankings for the Calder, the trophy given to the Rookie of the Year. If he continues to play as he did in February, the young Swede will leave little doubt that he deserves the award.
Congratulations, Gabe!