The 2009 Calder Trophy was awarded to Columbus Blue Jacket goaltender, Steve Mason, and I am thrilled!  The rookie recorded 10 shutouts and helped lead his team to the playoffs for the first time. 

The young netminder, who beat out Bobby Ryan (Anaheim Ducks) and Chris Versteeg (Chicago Blackhawks), had an incredible year despite suffering from mononucleosis. 
I don’t know if I ever agreed with him playing while he was so sick but I am glad that his efforts have been recognized. He definitely deserved this award after the year he had even though he kind of fell apart …read more

What the heck is going on?!  The Calgary Flames, who are narrowly (and I mean narrowly) holding on to their lead in the Northwest Division have dropped two games in a row – first to the Pittsburgh Penguins on Wednesday night (2-0) and then to the Columbus Blue Jackets (5-0) last night.  I can’t believe they are so close to winning the division and clenching a playoff spot yet they have managed to be held scoreless for 60 whole minutes.  That’s embarrassing!  Is Iron Mike losing his touch?
Anyway, the big news of the night is that Columbus goaltender, Steve Mason, …read more

What do you think of this one?  Columbus Blue Jackets goaltender, Steve Mason, has been diagnosed with mononucleosis but his team has opted to continue playing him unless “he takes a turn for the worst.”  In fact, they think he’s been ill for about a month. 
I understand that he’s got the best GAA in the league (2.06) and leads in shutouts (7) but I seriously hope they aren’t pushing this kid too hard.  He’s a rookie and while it is true that he’s cranking out a performance that will make him a top contender for the Calder Trophy, …read more

I love saves and, let me tell you, there are some good ones in here.  The goaltender that really stood out for me last week was Steve Mason of the Columbus Blue Jackets (who happens to appear twice in these highlights).  Check out the video:

Here’s the list, tell me if you think there was a save elsewhere in the league that deserved to be mentioned:
10. Josh Harding (Minnesota Wild) robs Nashville with glove save9. Johan Hedberg (Atlanta Thrashers) shuts down Montreal Canadiens8. Henrik Lundqvist (New York Rangers) stops two great Habs shots7. Pascal Leclaire (Columbus Blue Jackets) uses left leg …read more