Big Overhaul for Blackhawks

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

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.

Murray 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 think they call me head coach because I’m older. Don’t get the idea I’m taking it away from Lorne,” Pulford said, adding he hoped they would be equal partners behind the bench.

“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.”

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Ottawa Senator owner Rod Bryden, citing no commitment from the Canadian government on tax breaks, said he is looking for a buyer for his team.

“My only prudent course of action is to turn attention to the process of moving the team,” Bryden said.

But he acknowledged that the odds of the Senators leaving the city are “not that high.”

“I would not call it posturing,” he said. “I do not believe the government would act if they believed I would stay anyway.”

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Detroit goaltender Chris Osgood was put on injured reserve, retroactive to Nov. 24, when he sustained a hairline fracture of his right hand against St. Louis. The Red Wings recalled goaltender Manny Legace from the Manitoba Moose of the American Hockey League. . . . The Edmonton Oilers signed free-agent left wing Michel Picard, who played last with St. Louis.