"Steve Mason was the Blue Jackets' backup goaltender last night against the Chicago Blackhawks, the fifth straight game he's watched Mathieu Garon get the start.

A little perspective: Since Mason made his NHL debut Nov. 5, 2008, he's gone as many as three games without a start just once, and that was last February when he had mononucleosis.

More perspective: "This is the longest stretch since I was probably 14 years old," Mason said. "It's been difficult, but it's going to help me be a better goaltender."

Mason has spent long hours with goaltender coach Dave Rook, including yesterday when he was the last player off the ice after a morning skate in the United Center.

"We're working on a lot of different things, not one thing in particular," Rook said. "Focus. Attention to detail. Fitness has been part of it, too.

"This is probably something he needed to go through, and he'll admit that. It's going to humble him a bit, and it's going to make him appreciate it more when he goes back in there."

Mason's 11-15-6 record, .892 save percentage and 3.24 goals-against average are some of the worst numbers in the NHL."