Co-Calder Winners? No Fooling!

1) Fauxrumors believes based upon their stats and impacts for their respective teams that goaltenders Pekka Rinne of the Nashville predators and Steve Mason of the Columbus Blue Jackets are deserving of the co-honors as rookies of the year. Their respective talents were on display last night as the Jackets and Mason edged the Preds and Rinne 2-1 in an exciting close game by these two teams fighting to stay in the Western Conference playoff race. Both were highly touted prospects of their respective teams, but neither were supposed to be the starter coming into this past season.

2) Mason was first to burst upon the scene. The Jackets were pretty set in net with 25 year old Pascal Leclaire as their starter and Fred Norrena as his back up. A combination of injuries and inconsistent play gave Mason a shot and he hasn't disappointed since he got his first start in November against Edmonton. The 20 year old Oakville, Ontario native has impressive stats. In 56 starts he is 32-18-5 with a 2.22 GAA and a solid .918 save %. Ask any one in the Columbus organization and they will say he has clearly been the team MVP and the reason they are currently in a playoff spot. Until Rinne came along the Calder appeared to be Mason's to lose.

3) Pekka Rinne's rise to fame came as a bit more of a surprise. He differs from Mason as the native of Finland is a more mature 26. It was presumed that Rinne would be the understudy to starter Dan Ellis, but once Rinne got his feet wet he took the opportunity and hasn't looked back. His stats are equally impressive. Starting 43 games he has an excellent 27-11-4 record with a 2.26 GAA and .921 save %. Likewise Mason, Predator officials we spoke with are quick to point to Rinne as a big reason they are still in the playoff race out west.

4) There is no precedent in the 76 year history of the award that two players share the honor, but we believe that this year it SHOULD happen In all likelihood Steve Mason will win the award. His stats are a hair better, and being a North American over a newbie Finn also won't hurt his shot. However, we feel that voters/the NHL should consider a duel award this season. No fooling!