Pulford Back At Helm In Chicago

Blackhawks
roster

Pulford, 63, retired in 1997 after 20 years as the Blackhawks' general manager and will try to pull Chicago out of a 5-15-4 hole. He is coming back at the request of the Blackhawks' 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."

Molleken was demoted to an associate coach, but Pulford insisted they would be equals behind the bench.

"I think they call me head coach because I'm older. Don't get the idea I'm taking it away from Lorne," Pulford said. "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."

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."