Bowman's return spoiled

Red Wings roster

Bowman's return behind the bench was soured by the Toronto Maple Leafs who beat the Wings, 5-3, ending their four-game winning streak.

"It's not like a player," said Bowman. "A player can go out on the ice and do stuff. It's not like you're going to pull a rabbit out of a hat."

It was the first time Bowman coached the Red Wings since sweeping the Washington Capitals in the Stanley Cup Finals last June.

Bowman's celebration for the second straight cup turned mourning six days later as his younger brother passed away. He then had a blocked artery cleared in July, 34 days before his left knee was surgically replaced.

"It feels better today now that I've got everything out of the way." Bowman said. "I like what I'm doing. That doesn't change."