Columbus Blue Jackets coach says players 'don't care,' unbothered by losing
April 15 (UPI) -- Columbus Blue Jackets coach Rick Bowness slighted his players after a season-ending loss, saying they "don't care" and aren't bothered by losing. Bowness, who was hired to replace fired coach Dean Evason in January, also cited a perceived lack of effort from the Blue Jackets during their 2-1 loss to the Washington Capitals on Tuesday in Columbus, Ohio. The Blue Jackets totaled just three hits and logged 23 giveaways, compared to the Capitals' 14 hits and 13 giveaways.
They held a 1-0 lead after a score from forward Boone Jenner just 27 seconds into the second period, but failed to score again. "I don't know if I'm back, but if I'm back, I'm changing this culture," Bowness told reporters. "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?
" The Blue Jackets (40-30-12) ended their season in 11th place in the Eastern Conference and fifth in the Metropolitan Division. They were five points back of the second wild card slot, which went to the Ottawa Senators (43-27-11). "This is why we are where we are," Bowness said.
"This is why we are out of the playoffs: That kind of effort. You have to hate losing. I don't care if it's a meaningless game.