From the official NHL release:
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE / DECEMBER 3, 2013
PREDATORS’ MAZANEC NAMED NHL ROOKIE OF THE MONTH FOR NOVEMBER
NEW YORK (Dec. 3, 2013) – Nashville Predators goaltender Marek Mazanec, who posted a 5-4-1 record with a 2.00 goals-against average, .932 save percentage and two shutouts in 11 appearances, has been named the NHL Rookie of the Month for November.
Mazanec edged New York Rangers left wing Chris Kreider (4-9—13 in 15 games), San Jose Sharks center Tomas Hertl (5-5—10 in 13 games), Los Angeles Kings center Tyler Toffoli (4-5—9 in 13 games), Colorado Avalanche center Nathan MacKinnon (4-5—9 in 14 games) and Boston Bruins defenseman Torey Krug (3-6—9 in 15 games) for the honor.
Mazanec, 22, made his NHL debut Nov. 8 versus the Winnipeg Jets, stopping 22 shots in relief of Carter Hutton. He recorded his first victory with a career-high 39 saves in a 7-2 win over the Chicago Blackhawks Nov.
16. Mazanec posted his first career shutout in the following game, making
27 saves in a 2-0 triumph over the Detroit Red Wings Nov. 19. He added his second blank sheet with a 19-save performance in a 4-0 victory over the Columbus Blue Jackets Nov. 27.
Mazanec, a native of Pisek, Czech Republic, was selected by the Predators in the sixth round (179th overall) of the 2012 NHL Draft. He joins fellow Czech Republic native Hertl (October) as a Rookie of the Month winner this season.
