Steve Mason Under The Microscope Heading Into The '09-'10 Season

Last August goaltender Steve Mason was preparing for training camp, anticipating that he would be between the pipes with Syracuse Crunch of the AHL.

While that was the scenario when the season started, it sure wasn't the same when it ended.

There were many worthy candidates for the Calder Trophy last season but in the end it was Mason who prevailed after posting 33 wins and an league-high 10 shutouts. His efforts led Columbus to their first playoff appearance in franchise history.

Though they were swept by the Detroit Red Wings the accomplishment for both Mason and the Blue Jackets organization is raising interest in Columbus. With a strong nucleus of young players and a dedicated coaching staff fans have a reason to be excited about hockey in Ohio.

This looks strikingly familiar, doesn't it?

I mean, where else have we seen a young player exceed expectations only to turn in a sub-par performance the following season?

The "sophomore slump" has been more apparent in the NHL today than ever before. Sam Gagner, Jordan Staal and fellow netminder Carey Price headline the list of players who stood-out in their first year but couldn't repeat their play the second time around.

Not only will Mason face the pressure of following up a tremendous rookie season, he will also be competing for a spot on the 2010 Canadian Olympic team. Mason was one of five goalies who were invited to orientation camp which will take place from Aug. 24-28 in Calgary, Alberta.

Why would this add pressure to the 6'4" netminder?

The other four goaltenders on the list bring stunning resumes to the table. Martin Brodeur is the league's all-time winningest goalie, Roberto Luongo is the first puck-stopper to captain a team in modern era, and both Marc-Andre Fleury and Cam Ward boast Stanley Cup rings at the ripe ages of 24 and 25 respectively.

It's unlikely that Mason will be any more than the third goaltender but it is clear that Mason will have his work cut out for him if he hopes to wear the Maple Leaf in Vancouver come February.

Until then there's no question he'll carry a heavy work-load in Columbus. After having the luxury of coming in without any expectations he will have many eyes watching his every move this season.

Luckily for the Blue Jackets their young goaltender has been in pressure situations before.

At the 2008 World Junior Championship he claimed the starting role from Jonathan Bernier and led the Canadians to a gold-medal victory over Sweden. While in the Czech Republic for the tournament he was traded from the London Knights to the Kitchener Rangers and captured an OHL Championship later that spring.

It's safe to say that Mason knows how to win. The question going forward will be whether or not he can build on an outstanding year in which he quickly became a household name among NHL goaltenders.

The upcoming season could quite possibly determine how good of a netminder Mason really is.

Can he flourish like Brodeur did in his second campaign, or will he hit the wall in the same fashion as Jim Carey in the late 90s?

One thing is for sure—Mason will be battling between the pipes night after night.