Blue Jackets coach Scott Arniel put the blame for the Blue Jackets recent struggles on their offense rather than goaltender Steve Mason. "When you're scoring two goals a game, it doesn't matter which goaltender is in there," Arniel said. "You're putting an awful lot of pressure on those guys. Yes, Steve can be better. But Steve is also giving us a chance each night to win." Truthfully, there's enough blame to go around after the Blue Jackets 0-5-1 start. Yes, averaging two goals a game won't result in many wins, but neither will allowing 3.33 goals per contest. That being said, the Blue Jackets haven't had a lot of options. The only goaltender that could challenge Mason for playing time, Mark Dekanich, is recovering from an ankle injury. Curtis Sanford had been filling in as the Blue Jackets backup goaltender, but he's also out with a groin injury. Once Dekanich recovers, he could challenge Mason for the number one gig.

Steve Mason was beaten three times on 18 shots Tuesday, as the Columbus Blue Jackets dropped another decision with a 3-2 loss to the Stars. Mason has started each of the Jackets' six games thus far and has yet to earn a victory. While there are a number of his Columbus teammates to heap blame on for the team's terrible start, the list of Mason supporters seems to be dwindling.

Steve Mason will probably make his sixth straight start on Tuesday. Mason's 3.40 GAA and .890 save percentage don't inspire confidence, but right now the Blue Jackets alternative is Curtis Sanford, who hasn't started in an NHL game since January 10th, 2009. Once netminder Mark Dekanich recovers from his ankle injury, he should challenge Mason for the number one spot.

Steve Mason has surrendered the first goal in three of his first four starts. The only exception was Columbus' 3-2 loss to Vancouver. In that game, Cam Atkinson scored for the Blue Jackets at 8:42 of the first period, although they maintained the lead for less than seven minutes before Mason surrendered it. Mason has a 3.24 GAA and .892 save percentage in his first four starts.

Steve Mason will get the nod for Columbus on Wednesday versus Colorado. Mason owns a 0-3-0 record to the start the year with an .873 save percentage and a 3.82 goals-against average.

Steve Mason allowed three goals on 25 shots and was saddled with a loss as the Blue Jackets were defeated by the Canucks by a 3-2 score Monday. Back in 2008-09, Mason came out of the gates flying posting a 33-20-7 record with a .916 save percentage and a 2.29 goals-against average capturing the Calder Trophy in stellar fashion. Since that magical year, he has posted a 32-36-10 record with a .901 save percentage and a 3.13 goals-against average. Mason is obviously a risky fantasy option given his recent struggles but he is still one of the youngest goalies in the league with plenty of upside. Given how inconsistent Mason has been over the last two seasons, he should be viewed as a very low-end second goalie who could still end up with a decent season playing for an improved Columbus club.

Steve Mason will play between the pipes on Monday. Mason stopped just 19 of 23 shots on Saturday before he was pulled. He's off to a rough start, but with Mark Dekanich sidelined, Mason has a ton of job security.

Columbus' Derek Dorsett spoke on Steve Mason's behalf after he was pulled from Saturday's 4-2 loss to Minnesota. "It's not Mason's fault at all," Dorsett said. "We left him out to dry on a few of those. We'll keep him positive." Mason is off to a rough start with a 4.25 GAA and .870 save percentage in two starts. Mason was a big question mark going into this season after two poor campaigns, but we'd caution against reading too much into his first two starts.

Steve Mason did not play the third period after allowing four goals on 23 shots in the teams 4-2 loss to the Wild. Mason has struggled to regain his rookie form, which doesn't bode well for the Blue Jackets playoff aspirations. Columbus made some impressive moves in the offseason but it will be all for not if Mason can't prove he's a starter in the NHL.

Steve Mason has changed his pregame warmup routine. Mason now has a light ride on a stationary bike and stretches a lot with new strength coach Kevin Collins. "We went over some ways to get prepared a little better," Mason said. "It covers a lot of stuff. It's definitely been good." The past two seasons he warmed up by himself. Mason has struggled the last two seasons in goal after an unbelievable rookie season when he won the Calder Trophy. He is looking to return to his rookie form but the jury is still out on whether or not he will be able to. He is a third goalie at best in deeper pools at this time.