Mason, Columbus end Caps' winning streak at 7

WASHINGTON, D.C. (AP) - Forty-five minutes before the game, Steve Mason was sequestered in the Columbus Blue Jackets' training room. Unbeknownst to his teammates, already preparing to finish a six-game trip without eight injured regulars, the rookie goalie was in danger of sitting out because of upper-body muscle spasms.

But Mason shook off the pain, then disposed of one of the NHL's most dangerous offensive clubs.

Mason made 45 saves for his sixth shutout of the season and the injury-depleted Blue Jackets beat Washington 3-0 last night, ending the Capitals' winning streak at seven games.

"It's huge...