Graham Fired, Ending Short Stint as Blackhawk Coach

From 1988 to 1995, Dirk Graham played in 546 games with the Chicago Blackhawks, serving as the team’s captain for 6 1/2 seasons. He was the Blackhawks’ coach for only 59 games.

After leading Chicago to its worst record in 42 years, Graham was fired by the team Monday and replaced on an interim basis by assistant Lorne Molleken. Graham will remain with the Blackhawks organization, team officials said. His new position was unclear.

Graham had little coaching experience when he was hired by the Blackhawks in June. He had spent only one season, 1995-96, as an assistant.

The Blackhawks, who have the worst record in the Western Conference, have lost 10 of their last 12 games and are 19 games under .500. That hasn’t happened since 1955-57, when the Blackhawks finished 23 games under .500.

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