Calgary Flames' Michael Cammalleri shoots as Columbus Blue Jackets goalie Steve Mason looks to make a save during the second period of NHL action on Nov 8. The Blue Jackets won 3-1. (Terry Gilliam/Associated Press)

Steve Mason never doubted his ability, but even he didn't envision having such an unforgettable first week in the NHL.

Mason, a 20-year-old goalie from Oakville, Ont., was recalled by the Columbus Blue Jackets from the American Hockey League's Syracuse Crunch on Nov. 4 and made his NHL debut the next night as he stopped 22-of-26 shots in a 5-4 win over Edmonton.

Two nights later, Mason, a third-round pick (69th overall) in the 2006 draft, made turned aside 34 shots and stopped two shootout attempts in a 4-3 win over Montreal. He then picked up his third win in four nights on Nov. 8 with 22 saves in a 3-1 victory over Calgary.

Three wins in three games. Not a bad way to begin his NHL career.

Still, Mason, who was named the NHL's second star of the week, insists he has plenty of work to do in order to earn a regular spot on Columbus' roster.

"Everything's happened pretty quickly. I'm pretty proud of my start, but I've always said the hardest part of playing the NHL is sticking around. I still have to do that and I'm looking forward to having that opportunity," Mason told CBCSports.ca.

An injury to starting goalie Pascal Leclaire (ankle) led Columbus coach Ken Hitchcock to calling up Mason from the minors and starting him ahead of backup Fredrik Norrena.

A former Ontario Hockey League star with the London Knights and Kitchener Rangers, Mason responded by becoming the first goaltender to open his NHL career with three consecutive wins since Montreal's Jaroslav Halak in the 2006-07 season. By doing so, he's given Hitchcock plenty to think about - whether to send him back down to the AHL when Leclaire is healthy, or to keep him around on the Blue Jackets' roster.

'The best goalie I can be'

Mason revealed he hasn't had any discussions with Hitchcock about his immediate future with Columbus and despite a sensational first week in the league, he has no expectations of sticking around.

That's not to say he wouldn't like to, though.

"I haven't heard anything. Obviously, I'd like to find out, but right now I'm taking it day by day," Mason said. "I'd love to stay up here. I'm having great time here in Columbus and I think it's helping my game and helping me become the best goalie I can be."

Making the jump from the AHL to the NHL can be difficult for any rookie player, and it can be especially tricky for goalies who are suddenly facing a higher calibre of goal-scorer.

But Mason, who backstopped Canada to the gold medal at this year's world junior hockey championship, maintains the transition to the big leagues was pretty smooth.

"I actually find it easier to play in the NHL. The defencemen are so good in this league that they can cover for my mistakes. Just practising up here every day makes you better a player. If I can stick around here, I think it's going to help me even more," explained the freshman netminder.

"Everything is a little faster up here, and it's more organized on the ice. In the AHL the play is more sloppy," added Mason.

Strong puck-handling ability a plus

Aside from the poise he's demonstrated, what's been most impressive about Mason in his young NHL career is his strong puck-handling ability, one of the trademark character traits of his childhood idol, New Jersey Devils goalie Martin Brodeur.

"It's something I always worked hard at, especially when I was with London in the OHL. It's something I've always incorporated into my game. I've been pretty successful with it and I think it's helped relieve the pressure in the few games I've played this year," Mason explained.

"Growing up, I always looked up to Martin Brodeur. He's a great puck handler too, and I try to patterns myself after him in that regard."

Before joining the London Knights in 2005, Mason never worked with a goalie coach, but he credits Dave Rook for helping him completely transform his game and set him down the path to making it to the NHL.

"Dave was unbelievable. If there is one person that has helped me the most, it would be him. I had some tough times in London, but he was there for me and he improved my game so much during my two and a half years playing with the Knights," explained Mason.

In particular, Mason said Rook helped him with the mental aspect of the game, a lesson he put to good use in his second NHL game when he faced the daunting task of trying to stop Flames captain Jarome Iginla, one of the top goal-scorers in the league.

"I really didn't think about it too much," laughed Mason. "As soon as you're on the ice you're on an equal playing field. Jarome is one of the world-class players in the league but come game time you don't think about it and allow yourself to be intimidated.

"You have to channel yourself and even though you know he's an elite player, you have to raise your game to his level."