Call it 'Bowness Time.' At 71 years old and twice retired, Rick Bowness is back behind an NHL bench, and he's coaching with a freedom that only decades of experience can bring. Lured out of retirement in January to take over the under-performing Columbus Blue Jackets, the veteran coach has rediscovered his urgency to win—but without the career anxieties that once came with the job.

With Columbus locked in a tight race for the Eastern Conference's final playoff spots, Bowness is embracing the pressure of the season's final week. "I'm probably more relaxed now," he said recently, a stark contrast to the coach he was decades ago. "At 41, you're worried about your career. You're worried about your next job and everything. Well, I'm not, right?"

That perspective has paid dividends. Under Bowness's interim leadership, the Blue Jackets have mounted an impressive 20-9-5 run, vaulting from the bottom of the standings to within striking distance of a playoff berth. His upbeat, positive approach has been a constant, even during a recent 2-7-1 skid that has tested the team's resolve.

Following a tough loss, Bowness focused on the positives, highlighting a dominant period of play and encouraging his players to maintain that effort. It's this blend of seasoned wisdom and competitive fire that defines his approach. For Bowness, this chapter isn't about extending his legacy; it's about the pure enjoyment of the game and the thrill of the playoff chase, proving that sometimes the best coaching comes with a little extra time on the clock.