Mason itching to get back in Jets’ net
Plans call for veteran to rejoin team in New York
Steve Mason understands shaking off the rust isn’t always easy.
As the veteran goalie continues to work his way back from suffering his second concussion of the season — and third of his NHL career — Mason made it through his conditioning stint with the AHL’s Manitoba Moose.
Mason allowed four goals on 22 shots in Saturday ’s 5-4 overtime win over the Iowa Wild in what was his first game since facing the Buffalo Sabres on Jan. 9.
“It was good to get back out there after such a long layoff,” Mason said.
“As the game went on, I started feeling a bit more comfortable. There are some things that can be cleaned up, but this was definitely a step in the right direction.”
Jets head coach Paul Maurice said the reviews on Mason’s performance were positive.
Maurice said the 29-year-old from Oakville, Ont., would join the team in New York this week.
“He won and saw some pucks,” Maurice said. “He didn’t nearly see as much action as we would have liked. We hoped he’d see 50 shots. But he felt good.”
Although Maurice didn’t say when Mason would be starting on this road trip, Tuesday against the New York Rangers or Thursday against the New Jersey Devils would be logical options.
Mason could also start one of the final two games of the swing, since the Jets play back-to-back games against the Washington Capitals and the Nashville Predators March 12 and 13.
Jets winger Patrik Laine isn’t much for the numbers game. But the sophomore sniper was aware of the company he was keeping after pulling into a tie for sixth spot with Detroit Red Wings legend Steve Yzerman for goals scored by a teenager in the NHL with 69.
“I’ve seen (the list), but that’s something I don’t want to focus on,” Laine said before Sunday’s game against the Carolina Hurricanes.
“But it’s nice to see that and I’ve got to be proud of myself.
“But that’s not going to be enough for me. I want to score more and I want to be in front of those guys on that list.”
Laine got two goals in Sunday’s 3-2 win, bringing his total to 71.
On Winnipeg’s other goal, the game-winner by Paul Stastny, Laine recorded an assist.
Jimmy Carson holds the record with 92, while Dale Hawerchuk sits second with 85 and Wayne Gretzky and Brian Bellows are tied for fourth each with 76.
Sidney Crosby sits fifth with 75.
And on the seventh day, Jets defenceman Jacob Trouba started looking more like himself on the ice.
Trouba, who missed a 15th consecutive game with an ankle injury, was part of Sunday ’s optional skate and the 24-year-old has clearly made strides since returning to the ice for the first time since the injury.
Maurice said Trouba might be ready to return to play when the Jets get home from this six-game road trip. Their next home game is March 15 against the Chicago Blackhawks.