Pulford Now 'Hawks Main Man

Bob Pulford was called back to the bench and the front office Thursday to rescue the floundering Chicago Blackhawks, who fired general manager Bob Murray and demoted coach Lorne Molleken in a major shakeup.

Pulford, 63, will take over the dual role of general manager and head coach as the Blackhawks, who have missed the playoffs the last two seasons, try to pull out of a 5-15-4 hole.

Pulford retired in 1997 after 20 years as general manager and became a senior vice president. He is returning for a fourth stint as Chicago's coach, coming back this time at the request of owner William Wirtz. Pulford hasn't coached since 1987.

"Mr. Wirtz felt we had to do something drastic to correct our state," Pulford said. "I feel sorry for Murph (Murray), sorry it didn't work out for him. I'm going to try to get the ship going in the right direction."

Murray, who worked under Pulford as an assistant GM, was not present at the news conference. Neither was Molleken, who was demoted to associate coach in what is certain to create an awkward situation.

"I'm just going in and trying to help Lorne and just be with him and help him along. I can do that on the ice and not hurt his respect with the players."

But Molleken, in his first full season after taking over for the fired Dirk Graham the final 23 games last year, apparently has reservations. His record is 18-21-8.

"I think he has some question marks," Pulford said. "To a certain degree he questions whether I'm going to take his position. We tried very strongly to tell him that that isn't the situation."'

Rocky Wirtz, son of the owner, said the strange arrangement "will depend on how Lorne and Bob can communicate.

"They're going to get to know each other. No one is looking to one-up the other."

Pulford hinted that his appointment as coach and GM is temporary, adding that the Hawks have already begun interviewing management candidates. As for Molleken's future, Pulford said: "We feel very strongly Lorne will be here a very long time."

Pulford said Bill Wirtz, who was not present at the news conference, summoned him to his home Wednesday. And aftelengthy discussions, he agreed to come back, despite the travel demands.

"This is probably the hardest thing I've had to do in my hockey life," Pulford said.

"I'm also a Blackhawk and have a great deal of pride and want to make this franchise popular and strong like it used to be."

The Blackhawks are in last place in the NHL's Central Division, and attendance at the United Center has been sagging. In recent years, they have lost stars like Jeremy Roenick, Ed Belfour and Chris Chelios.

Some of Murray's moves have not panned out, including one this year to bring in veteran Wendel Clark, who was released and had to be paid a $1 million buyout.

"We are extremely disappointed at where we are as a team right now," Bill Wirtz said in a statement. "We want to turn this situation around now. The experience of Bob Pulford will lend stability to our management team, our coaching staff and to our players."

Pulford said changes in player personnel would be made if necessary, but didn't expect any major ones immediately.

"Hopefully we'll be good enough. We'll evaluate that and see what happens," he said.

Pulford led the team to the playoffs in each of his 20 seasons as general manager.

He played in 1,079 NHL games, most of them with the Toronto Maple Leafs. He was hired as general manager and coach of the Blackhawks in 1977, after coaching the Los Angeles Kings for five seasons.

His overall coaching record is 336-305-130.

Murray spent his entire playing career with the Blackhawks. He appeared in 1,008 games over a 15-year career.

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