WWYDW: Balancing Out The Goalie Workload

Steve Mason returned last night after missing a bunch of time due to a concussion and did so with a strong 31 save performance in goal against the New York Rangers. The question for the Jets going forward would now seem to be how do they handle the goaltending situation between Mason and Connor Hellebuyck from here on out?

Connor Hellebuyck is the unquestionable number one goalie for the Winnipeg jets this season, the Jets aren’t where they are in the standings if not for Helle-boy who has a 34-10-8 record with a .922 save percentage and a 2.40 GAA. His work has earned him a trip to Tampa for the NHL All-Star game and spot in Vezina trophy discussion. The amount of work he’s had though has also sparked questions if he’s not working too many games, especially leading into the playoffs where he will no doubt be playing every other night for hopefully more than a couple of weeks. Ideally a starting goaltender in the NHL will have 60 to 65 starts in a season max to keep them fresh for a playoff run, with the backup taking the other 20 or so games.

Hellebuyck has already started 52 games this season, his next start will match his career high set last season. He’s already passed his career high in minutes played 3181.

Conversely, Steve Mason was brought in to help carry some if not most of the load this season for the Jets, but injuries – as well as Hellebuyck taking the reigns as the number one – has limited Mason to just 11 starts this season with a 4-6-1 record and a .906 save percentage. With the type of offense the Jets have most nights, they don’t need Mason to put up the numbers that Hellebuyck has in a long stretch of starts, they just need a goalie who can keep the team from being involved in 6-5 shootouts and more importantly allow Paul Maurice to give his number one goalie a night off without fear that they are handing over a game to the opposition.

And if things weren’t complicated enough, there is also Mason’s health to consider. Yes, he’s medically clear now, but while we still don’t fully understand concussions, we’re all aware that once a player has suffered one or two, any subsequent concussions can become easier to receive.

How much work would you give Mason? How would you handle keeping Hellebuyck sharp in goal, but rested enough for hockey in April and hopefully May?

Sound off in the comments below or let us know what you think on our Twitter feed!

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