Grand Rapids Griffins vs. Rochester Americans

Grand Rapids Griffins rookie defenseman Robbie Russo.

(MLive file)

GRAND RAPIDS - Robbie Russo's plus/minus rating is so impressively out of whack that even detractors of the stat have to be impressed with the Grand Rapids rookie defenseman.

Russo boosts a rating of plus-37. That is tops in the AHL, just four off the team record and by far the best on the Griffins. Center Tomas Nosek is second at plus-14. The No. 2 defenseman is plus-13 by Xavier Ouellet.

The stat, which totals when a skater is on the ice for a goal or an opponent's goal, is so much higher than the rest of the members of the Griffins, it's noticed.

"We're always joking around with him about that," said left winger Tyler Bertuzzi. "Obviously, he's a good player, picks up things quick, but a plus-37 is pretty crazy."

So, how does he do it?

"You're asking the wrong guy," Russo said. "I really don't have a good explanation for it, but it's definitely a team thing."

There's more to it than being on the ice at the right time. Russo, 23, was named the AHL player of the week Monday after he had two goals and five assists (and a plus-8 rating) in four wins for the Griffins last week.

Incredibly, he is just the second Grand Rapids defenseman ever to earn player of the week, following rookie Clay Wilson in December, 2005.

In 50 games heading into Wednesday's home game against Rockford, Russo has been on the ice when opponents scored just 23 times, including three power play goals and two empty netters.

Coach Todd Nelson's explanation?

"The hockey intelligence factor plays into it," he said. "He doesn't play himself in tough spots where he can get beat. That's hockey sense.

Robbie Russo, right, battles for the puck last season for Notre Dame in a game against Western Michigan.

"But there's also poise. He's able to break the puck out under pressure which also helps his plus-minus. Defensively, he's in good position for the most part."

Russo logs about 18 minutes a game, plays some on the power play and some on the penalty kill, but he is not on the first line for either.

Russo also had to win over Nelson's confidence as a first-year player. He was scratched in four of the first six games to open the season.

"I like how like how he (Nelson) has an aggressive style," Russo said. "That definitely helps me out. A lot of guys can get involved early and you get to move your feet."

Russo signed a two-year entry level contract with Detroit in August, 2015 following a stellar four-year career at Notre Dame. He went from 15 points (4-11-15) his freshman season to 41 points (15-26-41) as a senior. Last year, he also led the Irish in plus/minus at plus-13.

Nelson flipped the blueline pairings last week and moved Russo from Brian Lashoff to Nathan Paetsch "just to change things up."

Russo didn't miss a beat. And he's earned Nelson's trust.

"Any time you get a new player, you want him to have confidence but you also have to have confidence in him. It's a learning and proving process on both sides. You have to manage it wisely. He's coming along nicely."

Pete Wallner covers sports for MLive/Grand Rapids Press. Email him at pwallner@mlive.com or follow him on Twitter, Facebook or Google+.