DOING THE GOALIE SHUFFLE

NEWARK — Steve Mason has cleared the final hurdle and is ready to get back into game action with the Winnipeg Jets.

On Monday afternoon, Mason was officially activated by the Jets and he could start in goal against the New York Rangers on Tuesday at Madison Square Garden as the Jets continue a sixgame road trip.

Mason, who suited up for the Manitoba Moose on Saturday on a conditioning stint and allowed four goals on 22 shots on goal in a 5-4 overtime win over the Iowa Wild, hasn’t played for the Jets since Jan. 5.

Mason suffered his second concussion of the season of Jan. 13 when he took a shot in the mask during the morning skate prior to a game against the Chicago Blackhawks.

“I wasn’t overly busy, so after being off for such a long stretch, it took me a while to get going but as the game went on I started feeling more comfortable,” said Mason. “At the end of the day, it was good to get out there in game action.”

When asked if he knew when his next start would come, Mason made it clear he’d be ready.

Jets coach Paul Maurice wouldn’t commit to when Mason would be starting, though Tuesday sounded like a strong possibility.

Mason has overcome some challenges he faced with flinching when he got back into the net after the second concussion.

“Just getting the reps in and facing as many shots as you can,” said Mason.

With Mason being activated, Michael Hutchinson was returned to the Moose.

Hutchinson went 2-0 with a 2.00 goals-against average and .933 save % in two starts during Mason’s absence.