Certainly The Hockey News' Jared Clinton hardly could be faulted for his cloudy view of the team managed by the veteran -- and most likeable -- executive Kevin Cheveldayoff.
Shrouded in Uncertainty.
Those three little words summed up the pre-season view of the Winnipeg Jets upcoming season.
Certainly The Hockey News' Jared Clinton hardly could be faulted for his cloudy view of the team managed by the veteran -- and most likeable -- executive Kevin Cheveldayoff.
Chevvy's sextet finished fourth in the Central Division and then was booted out of the first playoff round. It happened so fast that it was like watching a magician do his "Now, You See It, Now You Don't" trick.
Following Winnipeg's four games to one punting, it was even even-money that Rick Bowness would wind up in the Used Coaches Lot.
So, please forgive the hulking GM if you happen to see him at the corner of Portage and Main whistling a chorus of "Just Look At Me Now."
As we speak, Chevy's Jets are the winningest team in the NHL (28-10-4) for 60 points; boasting a .714 winning percentage in front of tonight's contest against The New York Islanders.
In an exclusive interview, here's The Man's explanation of how this amazing development developed:
KEYS TO THE TURNAROUND: "For us to continue to be successful we have had to realize what got us to where we are right now. Rick Bowness has instilled a structured game. When we
play with that structure we have a chance to win every night. We need our first line and fourth lines playing the same way each and every night. And, it has to come from within. In other words our best players have been our best players."
RICK BOWNESS EXITED UNHAPPY LAST SPRING. WHAT'S MADE HIM SO HAPPY?
"I have yet to see a coach or player happy to get knocked out of their chance at winning the Stanley Cup. One thing Rick is is authentic. And I think that that resonates with the players.
Like any successful coach or leader of people, you have to be convicted in your beliefs and yet you have to evolve at the same time. You don't stand behind the bench for as many games as Rick has without having those qualities.
ADVICE TO A ROOKIE NHL GM ABOUT HOW TO SURVIVE IN THE NHL
"You have to worry about controlling what you can control and spend less time trying to control things that are out of your control. If you have good people around you, and are prepared, you will be able to navigate the ever-changing challenges that come at you on a daily basis."
WHEN TO HAVE TIME TO STOP WORRYING TO DO OTHER STUFF
"There is other stuff????? It's such a privilege to be in charge of a team in the NHL -- and to know the enjoyment that so many people experience when your team wins, it is hard not to let it be all-consuming. My wife has a saying when she describes what it's like in our house being around me during the hockey season: She affectionately says: 'There is winning and there is hell!'"