Steve Mason's first game under the tutelage of Dave Rook went so poorly, the general manager of the junior-league team was searching for another goaltender by the second period.

The Blue Jackets have exercised more patience with the goaltender and his position coach, who are no strangers to each other, or to trying times.

The Jackets hired Rook last summer based largely on his development of Mason, who endured a rocky start with the London Knights to blossom into one of junior hockey's best goalies from 2006-08. Blue Jackets officials now must hope history repeats itself.

Mason, the reigning NHL rookie of the year, is suffering through a forgettable second season, putting Rook in a tough spot.

"It doesn't look good," Rook said. "They bring Mase's old goalie coach in, and he's having a season like this.

"But I truly believe in what we're doing on ice, and I have faith in his ability. If I didn't believe Steve would maximize that ability, I wouldn't have taken the job."

The outlook is much rosier than in 2005, when Knights general manager Mark Hunter acquired another goalie as Mason was allowing five goals and getting pulled in his debut. Rook spent the next few months working with Mason, who split time with London and a Junior B team.

Although some observers might think Mason would be well-served with a two-week conditioning stint with minor-league Syracuse, Rook and Jackets management believe he can regain his confidence and form here.

NHL goaltenders coaches are more consultants than full-time assistants. Rook is not around his pupils on a daily basis, but when he is with the club, he devotes extra time before and after practice to helping Mason, whose goals-against average (3.30) and save percentage (.891) are among the worst in the NHL.

"The things he's dealing with are a sign of his age (21)," Rook said. "His skill set and technique remain solid. In hindsight, he did what he did last season on pure talent. There are lessons he has had to go through, and some have been humbling."

Rook is a straight shooter. He carried his no-nonsense reputation from London to the St. Louis Blues organization, for which he worked as a goaltenders consultant last season.

"He's not afraid to tell me to get my head out of my (butt)," Mason said.

He has told Mason he needs to improve his fitness level, work ethic and attitude. After a five-game trip in late November, the two met for dinner. Rook did not mince words.

"The whole premise was he was sabotaging himself," Rook said. "He was told things he didn't want to hear, but deep down, he knew they were true.

"When you have the kind of success he has had over the last three seasons, you can get a little sure of yourself."

Rook caught Mason sulking one day and said: "You are 21, you are a millionaire, you have lots of support; why are you so miserable?"

Blue Jackets coach Ken Hitchcock appreciates Rook's approach.

"What I love most about him is he doesn't deal in 'what ifs,' he's focused on the task at hand," Hitchcock said. "He deals with the goalies in a direct manner without offending them.

"You can tell a lot about people with how they deal with adversity, and he has dealt with it in a professional manner."

Rook also has the support of Mathieu Garon, who has outplayed Mason and received the bulk of the starts in recent weeks. A veteran of nine NHL seasons, Garon said Rook is his best position coach since his first few seasons in Montreal.

Rook realizes he will be judged ultimately on how Mason plays. In recent weeks, he sees a goaltender who is working harder and trying to improve his attitude. Alternate captain R.J. Umberger made a similar observation last week.

But Mason hasn't won consecutive games since mid-October, and his snappish comments following a 4-2 loss to Minnesota on Saturday suggest he remains sensitive about his struggles.

Mason puts a lot of pressure on himself, Rook said. And this season, he added, might be about Mason "taking a step back to take two steps forward."

treed@dispatch.com