Columbus Blue Jackets Goalie Steve Mason Has Mono

There has been some concern as of late to Columbus Blue Jackets goaltender Steve Mason's lackluster performances in back-to-back games.  The reason?

He has mononucleosis.

It was reported by the Columbus Dispatch that he has been suffering from the infection for about three to four weeks. 

His spleen has not enlarged, which is an indicator that he has a mild form of the infection.

Mason has been superb in net this year.  He currently has a 19-12-2 record and leads the league with seven shutouts and a 1.98 goals against average.

The question has been his performance in back-to-back games.

He had a shutout against Ottawa last Friday night and gave up three goals Saturday to Dallas within the first 11 minutes of the game.

The previous back-to-back series was January 20 and 21 against the Edmonton Oilers and Calgary Flames.  A visibly worn Mason lost both by giving up four and five goals in those games.

It was obvious there was an issue with the 20 year old Mason.

With backup goalie Pascal Leclaire having season-ending ankle surgery, it puts the Blue Jackets in a bind. 

Wade Dubielewicz was picked up by the Jackets to help out, but was shaky at best when he came in relief of Mason, Saturday.  He gave up four goals on 23 shots and was visibly out of sync. 

It was the first action for Dubielewicz since playing in the Russian Continental Hockey League in December.

Once Mason gets some rest and feels better, the Jackets should be ready to make a run at a playoff spot.  

The sooner the better. 

There are three back-to-back games slated for February, but only one in the month of March.