Mason, Blue Jackets continue trip through Western Canada

Columbus (30-25-6) at Edmonton (30-25-5), 9:00 pm EST

EDMONTON, Alberta (Ticker) -- Steve Mason is showing signs of
wearing down during his rookie campaign.

The 20-year-old goaltender will try to avoid a third straight
loss as the Columbus Blue Jackets continue their road trip
through Western Canada against the Edmonton Oilers on Thursday.

Mason, who is 23-14-3 with a 2.19 goals-against average and an
NHL-best seven shutouts on the season, has allowed at least
three goals in each of his previous four starts.

A leading candidate for the Calder Trophy, Mason made 24 saves
during Tuesday's 4-1 loss to the Calgary Flames. R.J. Umberger
netted the lone goal in that one for Columbus, which has lost
back-to-back contests after going 6-0-1 in its previous seven
games.

All-Star defenseman Sheldon Souray scored twice and Andrew
Cogliano recorded a goal and an assist as the Oilers snapped a
three-game losing streak by defeating the Tampa Bay Lightning,
5-3, on Tuesday.

Erik Cole and blue-liner Jason Strudwick also tallied and Dwayne
Roloson made 26 saves for Edmonton, which had been held to three
goals or fewer in each of its previous five contests.