"The only way Rick Nash will put on a Blue Jackets jersey this weekend is to take it off and hand it to a lucky fan.

The Jackets captain will miss the final two games of the season because of a back injury.

"He thought it was getting better, but in the last few days it hasn't changed at all and he's not moving very well at all," coach Scott Arniel said. "He's got to get up and running again with conditioning and that stuff. He doesn't feel he can even do that."

Nash hasn't played since a shootout win March 29 against the Florida Panthers. The injury is believed to be a strain that's also triggering spasms. General manager Scott Howson confirmed that Nash's back has been "locking up on him."

Howson said the injury isn't a new one for Nash, but the pain usually has relaxed its grip in a shorter span.

Nash accompanied the club on its final road game to Nashville. He likely will participate in Fan Appreciation Night activities Saturday in Nationwide Arena. He also is expected to play for Team Canada in the world championship April 29-May 15 in Slovakia."