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Rick Bowness is set to return as head coach of the Columbus Blue Jackets after a tumultuous end to the season. This one-year extension comes after Bowness led the team to a 21-11-5 record since taking over on January 12, transforming them from last in the Eastern Conference to a playoff contender with a remarkable 18-2-4 start. However, a late-season slump of 3-9-1 saw the Blue Jackets miss the playoffs for a sixth consecutive year.
Following a disappointing 2-1 loss to the Washington Capitals, Bowness unleashed a passionate tirade about the team's lack of effort, stating, "losing is not important enough to them." He emphasized a need for cultural change, vowing, "If we're back, we'll straighten it out." While he later acknowledged his reaction may have been "a little over the top," he stood by his sentiments.
Blue Jackets president Don Waddell supported Bowness, noting that players were not surprised by the comments and appreciated his honesty. At 71, Bowness will be the oldest coach in the NHL next season. He boasts a career record of 331-419-48-42 across various franchises, including a trip to the Stanley Cup Final with the Dallas Stars in 2020.
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