Wondering if the guys had a bounty on him.  Either way, Mase is on the shelf, Allen York is going to get his second NHL start tonight (good luck kid), and the CBJ signed University of Michigan four year goalie Shawn Hunwick to a one day contract that might last the rest of the season.

Thoughts on Mason: this isn't necessarily bad for him, twelve goals allowed in his last four periods of play might signal he needs a break.  I don't wish him ill but it will be nice to see York get a start.  I am not sure Mase has a future on this club next year anyway so perhaps letting some new blood play will bring some drama and interest to these last few games.

Thoughts on York: Kid (probably Mase's age) had a good three year stint at RPI and has really gotten screwed from a developmental POV this season.  He has earned the chance to start a game or two before this season ends and I am rooting for him to play well...or at least not get embarrassed against Detroit.  I think he has the potential to be a solid NHL backup.

Thoughts on Hunwick: He's small...like 5'6" small.  Like Cam Atkinson small.  That's not to say he can't play hockey...not heavily recruited, undrafted, walk-on at Michigan, went 54-24 (and 7 ties) in 2 1/2 years with an outstanding 2.05 GAA, .928 Save Percentage with 9 Shutouts.  Brother Matt plays for Avs.

Would love to see him signed and sent to Springfield to play next season.  Corbeil, Hunwick, and York battling for PT in Springfield next season could be interesting!  Let the best goalie win!

Isn"t it time for Mason to move on??? I hope.

Mason is scheduled to make close to $3 Million next season (NHL contracts are guaranteed). If they can't find a trade partner to move him, it is likely he will be one of the most expensive and under-performing backups in the league. I don't see them paying him to play in the minors but perhaps they try waiving him and see if they can find someone to pick him up at half-price saving the CBJ $1.5 Million.

I only saw the highlights from last nights game, but York got the W.  First goal was a bad bounce of Johnson's skate.

The second goal was a blast from the point on the PP where York was completely screened and didn't even flinch. Not sure he would have stopped it had he seen it but the two uglies standing in front of him didn't help matters.  It wasn't a bad goal but something tells me Henrik Lundqvist or Tim Thomas might ave found a way to get some leather on it (can't vouch for it though).

You know it didn't seem like York was tested all that much last night. He had some bounces go his way including the puck that got past him but sat in the crease and he sat down on it without knowing where it was. The defense played much better for him than they have played the last few games not allowing odd man rushes and clearing rebounds.

That said, by the end of the game he had made 29 saves (18 in the third period) and the only two he let past were power play goals. It is hard to get excited about one good start but he clearly has some ability and is well schooled.  He did not seem to get rattled and it was refreshing to see a goalie in control and not overplaying the puck like Mason often does. He also didn't seem to get confused or have trouble tracking the puck when a Wings player had control of it behind his own net.

He could have really benefited from a full season in Springfield but Columbus screwed that up and I suspect he should be headed back there next season (competing with Corbeil for developmental playing time). He has earned another start Friday at home vs Florida.

You say he will be in Springfield next year but the question I have is, If he plays out the Season and looks good in the process do you think he could play himself into a position in Columbus to start next year instead of going back down? Being in HI this and the Dispatch CBJ pages are about my only link to the team other than the Final scores from ESPN SC.

I don't think so. Regardless of how York finishes this season, I can't see the CBJ not bringing in two NHL goalies (a starter and a backup) in the off-season. The plan will be for York to play next season in Springfield...the plan they had for him this past season. No way he is ready and no way they can sell him as a NHL goalie at this point to the fanbase.

York hurt in practice...possibly a groin. Mason...as scheduled...starts tonight but Hunwick is the backup. Ugh!!! We are some serious goalie jinxes this year!!!