Bowness instilling confidence in red-hot Blue Jackets

Since being named coach on Jan. 12, Rick Bowness has guided the Columbus Blue Jackets to a 7-1-0 run and a four-game winning streak, with notable improvements in scoring and defense during that stretch.

Rick Bowness took over as head coach of the Columbus Blue Jackets on Jan. 12 and the team has responded with a strong stretch of results. Columbus is 7-1-0 under Bowness and has won four games in a row. Those results have coincided with clearer defensive focus and increased scoring. The Blue Jackets are pursuing a playoff spot as they prepare to visit the St. Louis Blues at Enterprise Center on Saturday. Key facts: - Columbus is 7-1-0 since Rick Bowness became coach on Jan. 12. - The Blue Jackets are 26-20-7 overall and have won four straight games. - Columbus is eight points behind the Boston Bruins for the second Eastern Conference wild card; Boston has played two more games. - Before the coaching change the team ranked 22nd in goals per game (2.91), 28th in goals allowed per game (3.38) and 30th in shots against per game (30.9). - In the eight games since Bowness took over, Columbus ranks sixth in goals per game (3.88), tied for 10th in goals against per game (2.63) and 20th in shots against per game (28.3). - The Blue Jackets scored first in seven of the eight games under Bowness. Summary: Columbus has shown clearer defensive detail and stronger scoring since the coaching change, and those shifts have translated into immediate results. The team will visit the St. Louis Blues on Saturday as it continues its push for a playoff position.