| Michael Sonday. 14th January, 2009 - 11:03 am
 Rookie goalie Steve Mason has been a savior this season for the Columbus Blue Jackets, changing the status of the franchise from pretender to contender.
We have all heard it before. Eight seasons in the NHL for the Blue Jackets and still zero playoff games to their credit. When starting goalie Pascal Leclaire went down with an injury in late October, the Jackets were 3-5 and it looked as though another season was going to slip through the cracks, but then Steve Mason took over in the net.
The rookie goalie was inserted into goal on November 5th, and something strange happened to the Jackets: they started to win. The emergence of Mason has seemed to give the Jackets a new found confidence, something they were desperately seeking.
As the calendar turned, Mason's play continued where it left off in 2008, bringing a three-game shutout streak into the New Year. Mason's streak did come to an end during the first game of the New Year, but the Blue Jackets still won the game 6-1 over the Avalanche. His shutout streak lasted 199 minutes, 19 seconds.
As the season rolls on, the Blue Jackets will continue to lean on Mason for support, a challenge that the rookie will be prepared for.
Mason has shown that he is ready to play each and every night, which was evident during last Friday's 45-save performance, halting the Capitals' seven-game home winning streak and once again demonstrating Mason's dominance. The game was just another example of how Mason has given the Jackets an opportunity to win even when they are outplayed.
There have been many rumblings around the league that Mason has the inside track on the Calder Trophy; if he continues his stellar play, the rumblings might change from the Calder to the Hart Trophy.
Why shouldn't Mason be mentioned as an MVP candidate?
At this point he leads the league in shutouts, goals against average, and save percentage. If he keeps it up there is no reason why he shouldn't be mentioned in the conversation. Heck, last year's Hart winner Alex Ovechki, has taken 18 shots on Mason this year with no success. If Mason can lead the Jackets to the playoffs, he should be considered for the award.
The emergence of Mason has restored hope in Columbus and has made a playoff appearance more likely than ever before. His presence in goal makes the Jackets a difficult team to play.
The future appears to be bright for both the Blue Jackets and Mason. |
