COLUMBUS, OHIO – Columbus Blue Jackets left wing Rick Nash has been named the National Hockey League's First Star for the week of Dec. 29, 2008-Jan. 4, 2009, the club and league announced January 5. Nash tallied two goals and seven assists for nine points to lead all league scorers and help the Blue Jackets post a 3-1-0 record in four road games. He also fired off 12 shots on goal, had a +7 plus/minus rating and averaged over 20:00 of ice time per game. In addition to Nash, Detroit defenseman Brian Rafalski and Carolina goaltender Cam Ward were named second and third star, respectively.

Nash began the week by tallying 1-1-2, was +1 and assisted on the game-winning goal in a 2-0 win at Los Angeles on December 29. He added 0-1-1, two shots, was +1 and logged 25:49 of ice time in a 2-0 win at Anaheim on December 31. At Colorado on Jan. 2, he matched his career high with 1-3-4, fired off four shots and was +4 in a 6-1 win. His first career penalty shot goal against Avalanche goaltender Peter Budaj was also the game-winner. He wrapped up the week by assisting on both Columbus goals and firing off five shots in a 5-2 loss at St. Louis on January 3.

The three-time All-Star leads Columbus in goals, assists and points with 17-22-39 in 39 games. He has also scored a team-high four game-winning goals, has a +9 plus/minus rating and is currently riding a five-game point streak as he has collected 2-8-10 during that time.

The Blue Jackets return to action Tuesday when they visit the defending Stanley Cup champion Detroit Red Wings. Game time from Joe Louis Arena is set for 7:30 p.m. ET. Live coverage on FOX Sports Ohio will begin with the Blue Jackets Live pre-game show starting at 7 p.m. The game will be broadcast live on the Blue Jackets Radio Network and flagship station WWCD-FM, CD101.

Tickets for 2008-09 regular season home games are on sale now at the Nationwide Arena Ticket Office, FOX Sports Ohio Blue Line at The Mall at Tuttle Crossing, The Chiller Ice Rinks and all Ticketmaster Ticket Centers. Fans can purchase tickets by phone at (614) 431-3600 or online at www.BlueJackets.com and www.ticketmaster.com. For information on season tickets, mini-plans or group tickets, call (614) 246-PUCK or 800-NHL-COLS.