Kirill Gerasimyuk’s stellar AHL [http://thn.com/ahl] rookie campaign with the Charlotte Checkers continues, as he’s just set a franchise record for the most shutouts in a season by a rookie. On March 14, Gerasimyuk turned away 28 shots to record his fourth shutout of the season, giving him an 8-6- 1 record in 16 games. Additionally, he’s posted a .907 save percentage and a 2.35 goals-against average. With each start, the 22-year-old Russian netminder appears to feel more comfortable in the net for the Checkers. Although Gerasimyuk never played in the KHL, he posted excellent numbers in the VHL. In 41 games, he recorded a .925 SP and a 2.16 GAA. Drafted in the fifth round (152nd overall) by the Florida Panthers in the 2021 NHL draft, Gerasimyuk has flown up the Panthers’ prospect rankings. Standing 6-foot-2, Gersimyuk isn’t the tallest goaltender you’ll find, but he plays a composed game, and he’s quick to get into his spots. He fits the physical mold of current Panthers goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky. The Checkers are on the verge of clinching a playoff spot, and while Cooper Black is the current starting goaltender, Gerasimyuk’s play could earn him additional starts down the final stretch and possibly some playoff experience. Image [https://deweb-519a7.b-cdn.net/post-images/8127be64-29a5-4c3a-8ebc-51fffbeb115e.jpeg] For action-packed issues, access to the entire magazine archive and a free issue, subscribe to The Hockey News at THN.com/free [https://thehockeynews.store/products/print-subscription]. Get the latest news and trending stories by subscribing to our newsletter here [http://eepurl.com/i7OC4I]. And share your thoughts by commenting below the article on THN.com or creating your own post in our community forum.
