by Aaron Portzline, THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH , The Columbus Dispatch

After a tough stretch in which he allowed 20 goals in four games, Mason has posted a 2.84 goals-against average and a .921 save percentage in his past three starts. Those numbers look even better when you consider the opponents: Pittsburgh, Washington and San Jose, three of the NHL's most dynamic clubs.

Mason credits extra work with goaltending coach Dave Rook and backup goaltender Mathieu Garon this week for correcting flaws in his game.

"It was just going back to basics, a lot of simple movements and (handling the puck) behind-the-net kind of stuff," Mason said.

Mason also is back to making key stops late in games, a hallmark of his rookie season.

He helped the Jackets get to overtime Wednesday in a 3-2 shootout loss to San Jose with several third-period saves.

"The first part of the season, I wasn't doing that, but I have felt better about my game the last couple of outings," Mason said. "My confidence has been building with each game, and I'm more happy with the way I've been playing."

\ A 'trap' game

Carolina and Toronto, with the worst and second-worst records in the NHL, played last night in Raleigh, N.C. The Hurricanes lost to extend their winless streak to 11 games, the franchise's longest in 16 seasons.

For the Blue Jackets , tonight's game against the Hurricanes represents a classic "trap" game.

"Eventually, you get sick of losing, and you decide you're going to start winning again," coach Ken Hitchcock said. "We don't want to be the jumping-off point for them."

\ Commodore returns

Defenseman Mike Commodore, out the past two games because of a charley horse, expects to play.

It's a big night for Big Red. It's his 30th birthday, and the Hurricanes are the club with whom he won the Stanley Cup in 2006.

"When the schedule comes out each year, this is the date that jumps right out for me," Commodore said. "I have the utmost respect for the organization, and I hope they do well. But I really want to beat them."

Commodore scored against the Hurricanes last season in the Blue Jackets' victory.

"I haven't scored that many goals in my career, but I've scored a couple of big ones along the way," Commodore said. "That wasn't the biggest, but it probably felt the best."

\ Slap shots

Right winger Derek Dorsett slammed his left knee into the boards Thursday after a high-speed collision with Atlanta defenseman Ron Hainsey. Dorsett was said to be feeling better and could play tonight. ... Center/right winger Mike Blunden (upper body) is likely to play, which would send center Derek MacKenzie back to minor-league Syracuse. ... Defenseman Kris Russell (sickness) might not be able to play.

aportzline@dispatch.com

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