Montreal-Columbus preview

After a slow start, Carey Price has rounded into form. The Columbus Blue Jackets hope they can say the same of Steve Mason in the very near future.

A pair of goaltenders headed in opposite directions likely will be on display Tuesday night as the Blue Jackets try to rebound from an ugly loss in a matchup with the Montreal Canadiens.

Price has established himself as one of the league’s best young goaltenders with two strong seasons for the Canadiens (11-11-1) since he was the fifth overall selection in the 2005 draft. He began 2009-10 as Montreal’s No. 1 goalie but an early-season six-game losing streak opened the door for Jaroslav Halak to get more playing time.

Price has since regained the No. 1 job, going 4-2-1 with a 1.94 goals-against average in his past seven appearances while starting the last five games. He had another strong performance in Saturday’s 3-2 shootout loss to visiting Detroit, making 32 saves through overtime.

Mason captured the Calder Trophy as the league’s top rookie with 33 wins last season and helped the Blue Jackets (12-7-3) reach the playoffs for the first time in franchise history. Mason, however, is experiencing a very profound sophomore slump, ranking next-to-last in the NHL with a 3.59 goals-against average.

He was pulled for the third time this season Monday night in Columbus’ 7-4 loss to the New York Rangers after allowing four goals on 17 shots. Mason surrendered at least four goals for the eighth time in 17 starts this season.

Coach Ken Hitchcock could start Mathieu Garon, but he wasn’t much better than Mason against the Rangers, giving up three goals on 15 shots.

Full game preview here

Mathieu Garon will start in goal for Columbus.

Beniot Pouliot, who the Canadiens traded Latendresse for Yesterday is injured and will not play tonight.