Jets’ Mason building up his confidence following turbulent start to tenure
Team’s big free-agent addition staying patient despite struggles, Ken Wiebe writes
Steve Mason isn’t suffering from buyer’s remorse.
Sure, there was a time when his preference was to remain with the Philadelphia Flyers organization that helped him resurrect his career when he was on the verge of stepping away from the game.
But he had plenty of time to deal with those emotions and move forward before free agency officially opened July 1.
And while it’s obvious this wasn’t the start he envisioned when signing a two-year deal with the Winnipeg Jets, Mason has been around the block long enough to know it’s early in the season and things can change quickly.
Based on his past two starts, one could make the argument things have already started to change for the goalie, who got a contract worth US$4.1 million per season and was the prized signing for the Jets on the first day of free agency.
Since the Jets used Wednesday as a day off, Mason took some time after Tuesday’s game against the Arizona Coyotes to reflect on his time in the Flyers organization and to chat about how things are going with his new team.
“You know what, honestly, I just treat it like another game. Whether I’m playing or not, I’m not sure,” said Mason, who is 1-3-1 with a 3.76 goals-against average and .892 save percentage in six appearances with the Jets. “I had wanted to go back there (to Philadelphia). But seeing that they wanted to go in a different direction, you take it as what it is. Come the summer, there were no discussions, so you move on. I’m happy to be in Winnipeg.”
At the time of the discussion, Mason still didn’t know if he was starting against the Flyers Thursday or if he might get the call instead Saturday against the New Jersey Devils as the Jets continue a three-game homestand.
But with 14 games during November, his workload is going to increase, no matter how well fellow goalie Connor Hellebuyck is playing.
Part of the reason Mason was brought into the Jets organization was to serve as a mentor for Hellebuyck.
Another was to push the young goalie to be better and Hellebuyck has answered the call on that front.
By making 33 saves in Tuesday’s 4-1 victory, Hellebuyck is 9-1-2 and has a 2.32 goals-against average and .930 save percentage, which has him among the league leaders in those categories.
That’s the biggest reason Mason has appeared in so few games to date.
But things are trending upward for Mason, who has put together three strong outings and recorded his first win of the campaign by making 29 saves in a 4-1 victory Saturday over the Coyotes.
“I’ve felt a lot more comfortable in the last couple of starts here,” said Mason. “It was a difficult transition. The first few games didn’t go the way I would have liked. With (Hellebuyck) playing the way he is, I haven’t been able to get back in the net (often). I’ve just got to continue working hard and bide my time.
“Right now, with (Hellebuyck) playing well, I understand the situation that I’m in. Whenever I do get into the net, I want to make the most of it. The last game in Arizona was a positive step.”
When it comes to his time with the Flyers, Mason has mostly positive memories, which included 231 regular-season games (including 221 starts) and eight in the playoffs.
“I feel very fortunate to have been part of that organization for five years,” said Mason, who was quick to credit goalie coaches Jeff Reese and Kim Dillabaugh for their efforts. “Looking back on it, there were a lot of positives. I’m just happy I was able to restart my career there. I made a lot of friends there. I enjoyed playing in front of a passionate fan base, just an overall great sports city. And I’m proud to have been a Philadelphia Flyer.”
Playing in a place that’s occasionally referred to as a goalie graveyard never entered the equation for Mason, whose confidence was shaken when he arrived in a trade with the Columbus Blue Jackets.
“I didn’t really think much of that,” said Mason. “I just took it as a fresh opportunity and a place where you get to play in front of a sold-out building with passionate fans. For me, that was fun. Looking back on it, I was fortunate to have it.”
What’s the most important thing Jets head coach Paul Maurice has learned about Mason this season?
“He’s got a real good handle on where he’s at,” said Maurice. “He doesn’t need his hand held. He watched (Hellebuyck) play exceptionally well and knew it wasn’t going to be his time during that stretch. And he just worked, got ready, got stronger. He’s just a good pro.”
Right now, with (fellow goalie Connor Hellebuyck) playing well, I understand the situation that I’m in.