Despite breaking into the NHL in 2018-19, the current season is considered the rookie campaign for Devils goalie Mackenzie Blackwood.

And following a slow start in October and November, Blackwood has posted numbers to rival the best at the position in this year’s rookie class.

The pursuit of the Calder Trophy — given to the rookie of the year — is a two-horse race between Colorado Avalanche defenseman Cale Makar and Vancouver Canucks defenseman Quinn Hughes, but Blackwood has at least entered the conversation to garner some votes lower on ballots.

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But how does he stack up against other rookie goalies this season? Here’s a look at Blackwood’s numbers, plus others he could be competing against the Calder Trophy and All-Rookie Team votes.

Mackenzie Blackwood, Devils

Games played: 43

Record: 21-12-7

GAA: 2.73

Save Percentage: .916

Shutouts: 3

Blackwood started the season slowly, posting a 3.12 GAA and .898 save percentage in 18 games in October and November. But since the start of December, he’s been not only one of the most consistent rookies, but one of the most consistent NHL net minders. He has a .927 save percentage and 2.43 GAA since the start of December, and his 14.24 goals saved above average ranks best in the NHL in that span.

Ilya Samsonov, Washington Capitals

Games played: 25

Record: 16-6-1

GAA: 2.40

Save Percentage: .917

Shutouts: 1

Braden Holtby has been the Capitals’ clear starter since the beginning of the season, without much surprise, but Samsonov has posted significantly better numbers than Holtby’s.

Elvis Merzlikins, Columbus Blue Jackets

Games played: 32

Record: 12-9-8

GAA: 2.39

Save Percentage: .922

Shutouts: 5

The season didn’t start well for Merzlikins, who lost his first nine decisions as Columbus’ backup goalie. But when he was vaulted into the team’s starting role following an injury to Joonas Korpisalo, he became one of the best stories of the 2019-20 season. Merzlikins went on a remarkable run, winning 12 of his next 14 starts, where he posted five shutouts. He cooled off in February, and he’s now dealing with an injury after last playing on Feb. 24.

Igor Shesterkin, Rangers

Games played: 10

Record: 9-1-0

GAA: 2.23

Save Percentage: .940

Shutouts: 0

Shesterkin didn’t make his NHL debut until Jan. 7, but he quickly established himself as an NHL-caliber goalie with a hot streak to begin his career. He didn’t allow more than three goals in any of his first 10 NHL outings, winning nine of them.

If Shesterkin continued his pace through the finish of the season, it would have been plenty to vault him into consideration as the top rookie goalie this season. But a recent car accident unfortunately sidelined him with a rib fracture, so his time on the ice the rest of this season will be limited.

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