USA TODAY Sports hockey columnist Kevin Allen recently had a chance to ask Bowman, 83, a few questions about what it takes to be successful in the postseason:
What’s important for players to recognize when the playoffs start?
Bowman: I always felt the first round is so important. Everyone is gung-ho. They have just made the playoffs. Some teams didn’t expect to be there. Some snuck in. Some go in on a high note and some want to wipe the slate clean. There’s no formula for what is best. You don’t want to limp into the first round, with injuries. You want to be as fresh as you can be. I always approached it as if you were preparing for a long run. I know if you go into the playoffs healthy, it gives you a lot of confidence.
So you don’t believe it matters how you are playing at the end of the regular season?
Bowman: No. Even if you have a terrific ending to your regular season, I don’t think it has a bearing on the playoffs because whoever you are going to play is going to have the same good feelings about getting to the playoffs.
more Q & A...
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