MAJOR | Blake Wheeler calls out Rick Bowness after he scorched the team post-game
The Winnipeg Jets met with the media on Saturday morning just two days after being eliminated from the Stanley Cup Playoffs in Game 5 against the Vegas Golden Knights.
Following their series loss, Jets head coach Rick Bowness had some very strong words regarding his team, saying he was disappointed and disgusted with how they played throughout the five games against the Golden Knights.
During his time with the media on Saturday morning, Jets forward Blake Wheeler expressed his displeasure with his coach's comments and said that could have had those conversations with the team behind closed doors.
"He could've been honest with us, we could've had those discussions behind closed doors so I didn't agree with how he handled himself after that game.»
Blake Wheeler on Rick Bowness' comments following the Jets' playoff exit after Game 5. pic.twitter.com/7jljgHnU7h� Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) April 29, 2023
Kyle Connor and Adam Lowry were also asked about Bowness' comments after their series loss and they tended to agree with their former captain Blake Wheeler. Connor said that the players would have liked a little more transparency, while Lowry said that he wished Bowness would have come to them to tell him how he felt about their performances during the playoffs.
#NHLJets Adam Lowry on Rick Bowness' post-game comments to the media.
«We wish Rick would have come to us and told us how he felt.»
Disagrees with his blunt assessment, too.
«I don't think the comments were necessarily accurate as to how we feel our team is.»� Mike McIntyre (@mikemcintyrewpg) April 29, 2023
It'll be interesting to see how this is dealt with in the off-season. This isn't an ideal situation and while at the end of the day they're all professionals, it's hard to see this being rectified. While Bowness has two more years remaining on his contract, a coaching change will certainly be something to keep an eye on in Winnipeg over the coming months.
| POLL | ||
Should the Jets part ways with Bowness after only one season? | ||
| Yes | 169 | 35.1 % |
| No, give him a short leash next season though | 220 | 45.7 % |
| See Results | 92 | 19.1 % |
| List of polls | ||
