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Mason, Blue Jackets continue trip through Western Canada

Feb 26, 2009 - 11:26 AM 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.