Rick Bowness: A New Chapter at 71
At 71 years old, Rick Bowness is embracing a new chapter in his lengthy coaching journey, stepping back onto the NHL stage with the Columbus Blue Jackets. Having twice exited the coaching scene, Bowness finds himself in a unique position as he guides the Blue Jackets through a nail-biting race for the Eastern Conference playoffs.
Finding Calm Amidst Challenges
Despite a recent setback marked by a heavy 5-0 defeat to the Buffalo Sabres, Bowness expressed a newfound sense of ease in his role, free from the pressure he faced earlier in his career.
“I feel much calmer these days,”
he commented, noting the difference from his early coaching days when he was often preoccupied with job security and future prospects.
Revitalizing the Blue Jackets
Bowness, who was brought in to revitalize a struggling Blue Jackets team in January, has proven his worth, leading the squad to a commendable record of 20 wins against just 9 losses and 5 overtime or shootout defeats. This remarkable transformation has elevated Columbus from the bottom of the Eastern standings to precariously close to playoff contention, just two points shy of third place in the Metropolitan Division as the season nears its conclusion.
Positive Leadership and Player Response
His leadership style has remained positive, encouraging players like Kirill Marchenko to find their joy and confidence on the ice, despite a recent 2-7-1 slump. After the loss to Buffalo, Bowness shifted the focus to the positives, highlighting an impressive second-period performance where the Blue Jackets outshot their opponents.
“If we replicate that effort in our next game against Montreal, we’ll be successful,”
he asserted.
Players have responded well to Bowness’s experience and clear communication, with forward Charlie Coyle expressing an eagerness to support their coach.
“He instills confidence in us, and we want to perform well for him,”
Coyle stated, indicating the impact Bowness has had on the players’ morale and performance.
A Rich Coaching History
Bowness’s coaching career has been marked by a diverse history, beginning with his time as a player in the NHL and later becoming the first head coach of the Ottawa Senators. His track record includes stints with several teams including the New York Islanders and the Dallas Stars, where he notably led the team to the Stanley Cup Final in 2020.
Passion for Coaching
Two retirements have not dulled Bowness’s passion for coaching. When the opportunity arose to join the Blue Jackets, he couldn’t resist returning to a sport he loves dearly.
“The camaraderie with the players is what I missed the most when I stepped away,”
he reflected, emphasizing the excitement of competing at this crucial stage of the season. With so many teams out of playoff contention, Bowness feels grateful to engage in meaningful games, considering each day in the league a privilege.
Enjoying the Journey
As he continues to lead the Blue Jackets, Bowness is set on enjoying every moment of this unexpected resurgence, making this “Bowness Time” that much sweeter for a coach who has seen it all.
