HIGHLIGHTS
- Rick Bowness was furious with the Blue Jackets after Tuesday’s loss
- The head coach ripped apart his team’s effort level
- Read on to see what Bowness said
The Columbus Blue Jackets missed the playoffs for the sixth straight season earlier this week, which means Tuesday’s game against the Washington Capitals didn’t have a whole lot of meaning. However, head coach Rick Bowness apparently didn’t see it that way.
Following the Blue Jackets’ 2-1 loss to Alex Ovechkin and the Capitals, Bowness went scorched earth on his team for their lack of effort and desire to compete.
“All you gotta do is look at the stat sheet. Three hits, 23 giveaways. I don’t know if I’m back, but if I’m back, I’m changing this culture,” Bowness said. “These guys, they don’t care. Losing is not important enough to them. It doesn’t bother them.”
“Like, how can you go out and play like that?” he continued. “Should have done this about a month ago, but this is why we are where we are. This is why we’re out of the playoffs. That kind of effort. Losing, you have to hate losing. I don’t care if it’s a meaningless game.”
It remains to be seen whether Bowness will return as the Blue Jackets’ head coach, but he’s making it clear that changes will be made if he is in charge again. Columbus just barely finished on the outside looking in for the Wild Card, compiling a 40-30-12 record. While the last two seasons have been an improvement on previous years, it’s simply not good enough for Bowness or this fanbase.
Bowness became the Columbus boss in January when they decided to part ways with Dean Evason. Bowness proceeded to help this franchise nearly make the postseason, and that deserves some recognition. It’s also clear he has the right makeup and grit to help turn this culture around.
Despite the fiery rant, perhaps running it back with Bowness would be a wise decision by the Blue Jackets front office. You can’t beat passion.
