Now, I want it known that I like Steve Mason. I love watching him play and like all the other patient and die-hard Jacket fans, I believe Steve Mason’s destiny equals brilliance. He’s spoiled us, that’s for sure. When he’s on, he’s incredible. When he’s having one of his freak-out nights, well…it can get pretty serious real fast.
Those of us watching the game on TV barely got comfortable (well, that can be debated if we ever got comfortable during that game…) before the freak-out started. If you’re a Flames fan, you were probably yelling, “Flame on!” “Flame-broiled!” or some other fire-slogan smart-ass comment. If you were a Jacket fan, you sat where ever you were, bleeding along with Mason, understanding that this here, was a full-on freak-out night.
Scott Arniel wasn’t willing to bleed to death and pulled Mason. How many ways do you say your poor goalie was pulled?
The Flames had their way with Mason and then Arniel yanked him? That sounds like porn. Only hockey people would get it. The Coach gave Mase the hook? That sounds like he was punished on a pirate ship. Mase got the ol’ heave-ho? That sounds like he lost a bet and had to dance with the ugly chick.
Anyway, you get it. As much as I am used to Mason’s perfection in the net, I’m also finding myself wondering if this is going to be a “freak-out” night. I remember one of Mason’s very first freak-outs. Many moons ago, home game, Detroit…he gave an interview afterward and wondered why Blue Jacket fans were taunting him.
Are you kidding me?! Blue Jacket fans die with you, dear. Detroit fans invade our arena every time we host the RW’s. The people taunting you were wearing red and white not union blue.
So, I kinda have an unofficial Mason chart that I use sometimes. Reference it if you need to. But remember the very first one:
Mason Golden—Exactly what it sounds like. When he’s himself and it’s pure perfection.
lower case mase–what we had the other night with the Flames.
Freak-out Mason–Well, yeah. Again, we had this the other night, too. A team scores on him, he closes his eyes tight, throws his head back, shoulders touch his ears. He takes one or two deep breaths and then moves his head like a dog trying to swallow peanut butter. (Don’t believe me? Pull up some video and watch) You know you have the beginnings of a freak-out.
Pulling a Mason–When you or someone is the best at whatever it is they’re doing, but for some reason, it all falls apart and everybody just sits and thinks “WTF?”
Having a Mason Moment–Same as above only on a smaller scale. This one is redeemable. No residual freak-outs.
Mason, take a look in the mirror. See what we see. We know you’re Mason Golden. You have to believe it, too.