NHL Analyst defends Blue Jackets coach for tearing into team after loss

Q: Why did Rick Bowness criticize the Blue Jackets after their loss?

Rick Bowness criticized the Blue Jackets for their lack of effort and commitment, particularly highlighting their low physical play and high number of turnovers.

Q: How many hits did the Blue Jackets record in their loss to the Capitals?

The Blue Jackets recorded only three hits during their 2-1 loss to the Washington Capitals.

Q: What has been the Blue Jackets' playoff history in recent years?

The Columbus Blue Jackets have missed the playoffs for six consecutive seasons.

Q: What did Bowness say about the players' attitude towards losing?

Bowness expressed that the players 'don’t care' and emphasized that losing should be a painful experience for them.

An emotional outburst from Rick Bowness has led to debate across the NHL, but one analyst believes the Columbus Blue Jackets coach was justified.

Following a 2-1 loss to the Washington Capitals, Bowness openly questioned his team’s effort and commitment.

Columbus showed little physical edge, recording just three hits while committing 23 giveaways. Despite taking an early lead through Boone Jenner, the team failed to respond after conceding twice. The loss capped a disappointing season, with the Blue Jackets missing the playoffs for a sixth straight year.

MORE: Coach Todd McLellan reacts to boos as Detroit Red Wings miss playoffs

Bowness did not hold back. He said players “don’t care” and stressed that losing should hurt.

“I don’t know if I’m back, but if I’m back, I’m changing this culture,” Bowness said to the media. “These guys, they don’t care. Losing is not important enough to them. It doesn’t bother them. How can you go out and play like that?”

Bowness’ comments drew attention, especially given his uncertain future with the team. Yet on TSN’s Jay On SC, analyst Craig Button strongly supported the veteran coach. He praised Bowness for being honest and direct.

“Rick Bowness is real,” Bowness said. “He’s authentic. He talks about culture. He changed the culture in Winnipeg because he said what was happening there wasn’t acceptable. You saw how that team elevated, and he’s spot on. He talks about losing has to hurt. You cannot be tolerant of losing.”

According to Button, successful teams demand accountability, and Bowness highlighted exactly what Columbus lacks.

“Rick talked about when it gets hard, that’s when they started to fold,” Button said. “If winning was easy, Jay, everybody would do it. And what Rick just pointed out to the Columbus Blue Jackets players and to the organization is what do you want to do? You want to sign up for hard and maybe have a chance to win? Or do you want to just keep carrying on just being a team that’s in the league?”

Button also shared a wider hockey truth. Teams that accept losing rarely improve. He argued that Bowness exposed a deeper issue within the Blue Jackets’ mindset. For Button, the message was clear: either embrace the hard path to winning or remain stuck in mediocrity.

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Button on Rick Bowness’ return in Columbus next season

The Blue Jackets finished 40-30-12, falling just short of a playoff spot. While there were positives, including strong performances from Zach Werenski, a Norris Trophy favorite, inconsistency defined their campaign.

Bowness’ future now rests with general manager Don Waddell. Button believes the decision is simple. If the organization wants accountability and growth, Bowness should return.

“100%,” Johnston said on Bowness’ return. “If he wants to be back, then I would make sure, if I was Don Waddell, that I had Rick Bowness back because the number one thing that Rick Bowness established here was that he has a plan where you can have success.

“And then he pointed out where you fell short. Now, if you don’t want to hear that, don’t bring him back.”

The real question is whether Columbus is ready to hear that message.