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sports13h ago
Blue Jackets ‘very lucky’ to hire Bowness, GM says | NHL.com
- Don Waddell decided Jan. 13 to replace Columbus's coach and called Rick Bowness after ownership and staff discussions.
- Bowness agreed to return after a brief discussion with his wife, signaling a quick commitment to coaching again.
- Since his first game on Jan. 13, Columbus is 16-2-4, rising in the Eastern Conference standings.
- Columbus sits one point shy of a wild card and two points behind for third in the Metropolitan Division.
- Waddell credited Bowness with improving player communication and development of young players.
- The team’s scoring and penalty-kill metrics improved under Bowness, with 3.64 goals per game and an 80.7% PK.
- Waddell said he could not guarantee wins but expected Bowness to bring necessary leadership.
- The episode also discusses GM meetings and other NHL playoff race developments.
- Related content covers Draisaitl’s injury and other NHL storylines linked to playoff races.
- The NHL @TheRink podcast is available on multiple platforms for listeners.
- Bowness’s return marks a notable coaching lifer’s comeback at age 70.
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