Blues suffer ninth consecutive loss

ST. LOUIS -- Rick Nash scored twice and backup goalie Pascal Leclaire had a strong game, helping the Columbus Blue Jackets beat the slumping St. Louis Blues 4-2 Friday night.

The Blues lost their ninth in a row despite a 30-20 shots advantage, a day after losing captain Dallas Drake for the season. They've also lost goalie Curtis Sanford and defenseman Barret Jackman to season-ending injuries this month, and have been outscored 39-15 during the skid since beating the Blue Jackets on March 13.

Jaroslav Balastik and Jason Chimera also had goals for Columbus.

Blues captain Dallas Drake will miss the remainder of the season after breaking two ribs and tearing some cartilage during Wednesday's 3-2 overtime loss at Chicago.

-- AP