Columbus Blue Jackets: Rick Nash Done for Season with Nagging Back Injury

It was announced today on Dispatch.com that Blue Jackets captain Rick Nash will miss the final two games of the season with a back injury.

This is the same injury that has kept the Canadian-born winger out since March 29th when the Jackets defeated the Panthers via shootout.

Jackets coach Scott Arniel stated that Nash had felt the injury was getting better, but it has not changed in the past few days, and he has not been moving well.

Arniel added that Nash does not feel that he can do basic conditioning drills or running.

Team doctors believe that the injury is a strain, one that has been causing spasms, and have pulled the plug on the last two games of the season for Nash.

This injury is not a new one for Nash, as he has had back problems in the past. However, in the past, the pain usually subsides in a shorter period of time.

This, obviously, is a good call because the Jackets are not playing for anything in the last two games as they were mathematically eliminated from the playoffs earlier this month.

It would not be a smart move to try and get Nash back into the lineup for the last two games, where he could possibly re-injure his back and cause even more damage than there already is.

Nash accompanied the team on their final road trip of the season to Nashville.

He plans to take part in the Jackets fan appreciation night on Saturday at Nationwide Arena, as well as play for Team Canada in the world championships beginning at the end of the month in Slovakia.

In other injury news, goalie Steve Mason will be returning from a groin injury that he suffered against the Washington Capitals at the end of March tonight in Nashville. Mason will look to get the last two games under his belt and go into the offseason on a high note.