Chris Mason Doesn't Deserve the Backup Job in Winnipeg

It is only four games into the Jets' preseason, but already fans are becoming worried of the bald-headed goaltender from Red Deer. 

Going into this afternoon's Kraft Hockeyville game between the Winnipeg Jets and the Ottawa Senators in St. Johns, the Jets are sporting a mediocre 1-3 record. Two of those losses, however, were mainly because of the poor play from Jets incumbent backup goalie Chris Mason.

Chris Mason has allowed nine goals in those two games and is sporting a pitiful .780 save percentage. Those are definitely not the kind of numbers you should be posting if you expect to be a goaltender in the National Hockey League.

The goals Mason allowed were mostly his fault, and he is not making the saves he should be making by being far too deep in his crease. He has not been quick around the net and there are other technical flaws that he should not be making. 

Chris Mason simply isn't a quality NHL goalie anymore.

Luckily, the Jets have a goalie who can take his backup job at a moments notice. That goalie is David Aebischer, who is currently on a try-out contract with the Winnipeg Jets.

David Aebischer has been far more impressive in his game-and-one-period stint with the Jets than Mason by a long shot. With Aebischer playing, you feel much more safer watching than you do with Mason. When you're watching Mason play, you are worried about every shot going in, which doesn't give the team's defense much confidence.

Aebischer also brings a more veteran presence to the team than Mason as he has been to the dance before and has won a Stanley Cup with the Colorado Avalanche in 2001. He has also posted a 30-plus win season to boot.

What Chris Mason has going for him, however, is that he has a one-year contract, which means that he will likely be staying up with the Jets when the season starts unless the Jets wanna pay his full salary while playing in the AHL.

But if he ever happens to get hurt or continues to play like he is now, then expect Aebischer to take over his backup role for the duration of the season.

Thankfully, Jets fans won't have to put up with Mason's bad play this afternoon as Winnipeg starting goalie Ondrej Pavelec is expected to get the start against Ottawa.

Hopefully we won't have to put up with Chris Mason much longer, period.