The Blue Jackets coach who knows Steve Mason best said the goaltender's recent struggles between the pipes are primarily between his ears.

Goaltenders coach Dave Rook said Mason's technique remains sound, but he's having difficulty rebounding after allowing an early goal, along with dealing with higher expectations a season after winning rookie of the year honors.

"Part of the process of being a top-end goalie is dealing with issues from the shoulders up," Rook said. "Right now, he's letting different things affect him, and that's part of the maturity process. It's not uncommon with goalies.

"Steve has a burning desire to be the best, but sometimes you forget there's a process you must go though to be the best."

After a solid start, Mason has allowed 16 goals in his past three games, all on the road. He has yielded early first-period goals and seemed surprised by some shots, such as the winner by Calgary's Dion Phaneuf from just inside the blue line Oct. 20.

Mason will start tonight against the Phoenix Coyotes in Nationwide Arena, where he's 3-0 with a 1.00 goals-against average.

There are mitigating circumstances surrounding Mason's recent struggles -- the Jackets' poor attention to defensive detail, the loss of defenseman Jan Hejda and a team making its second western trip in the season's first month. But Mason isn't ducking responsibility.

"It's no secret that we're not playing well and I'm not playing well," Mason said. "We can't hide from that fact. We just have to get better."

Asked if he could pinpoint a reason for the rough patch, Mason said: "All I'm going to say is I've got to be better."

Rook, who did not accompany the team on its four-game trip, was on the ice yesterday morning working with Mason and backup Mathieu Garon.

Rook coached Mason, 21, for two-plus seasons with London of the Ontario Hockey League. He watched his prize pupil overcome injury, illness and fatigue last season to post a .916 save percentage and 2.29 goals-against average.

One of Mason's strengths is his resiliency, but even the best goaltenders go through slumps. His problems have occurred on the road, where Mason is 2-3 with a 5.11 GAA and a .836 save percentage.

"He's thinking too much about it," Rook said. "Instead of watching (a goal against) on the Jumbotron and moving on, it's affecting the next shot. But you learn how to handle this stuff and it builds character."

Rook's straight-shooter approach is appreciated by Mason, who endorsed his hiring. The goaltender is adjusting to life with elevated expectations, Rook said, and Garon pushing him for playing time.

"Steve is very professional and very accountable," Rook said. "He knows what needs to be done."

Mason needs to improve on his recent starts, surrendering two early goals in Calgary and Los Angeles. Coach Ken Hitchcock said he believes Mason has been unnerved by the quick goals.

"He hasn't been able to build any momentum," Hitchcock said.

But no one -- not Hitchcock the players or general manager Scott Howson -- blamed Mason for the 1-3 trip, which included the Jackets blowing a three-goal lead at Edmonton with Garon in net.

"We're not checking as well as we should," Howson said. "I'm sure he'd like to have a couple goals back, but Steve is not our problem."

treed@dispatch.com