PITTSBURGH -- The Stanley Cup champion Pittsburgh Penguins Tuesday named Scotty Bowman as the team's interim coach, replacing Bob Johnson who is undergoing radiation treatment for a second brain tumor.
Bowman, 58, is the winningest coach in NHL history with 736 victories.
Bowman has been the Penguins director of player development and recruitment since last season. He has coached in the NHL with St. Louis, Montreal and Buffalo, and he also served as general manager in all three organizations.
Johnson, 60, underwent surgery Aug. 30 at Mercy Hospital to have the first brain tumor removed after suffering stroke-like symptoms. He was transferred to Colorado Springs, Colo., for the radiation treatments for the second tumor.
Penguins Vice President Paul Martha said following the surgery Johnson's prognosis was 'not good.' There was no announcement whether Johnson's brain tumors were benign or malignant.
General Manager Craig Patrick, who announced the appointment of Bowman as interim coach, also added scout Pierre McGuire as an assistant coach.
The Penguins were directed in training camp by Bowman with assistants Barry Smith, Rick Paterson and Rick Kehoe running the team in Johnson's absence.
Pittsburgh will open defense of its Stanley Cup championship Friday night in Buffalo against the Sabres.
