Derek King was given an almost impossible job this season.
Inherit a 1-9-2 Blackhawks team with no general manager, weeks removed from the axe-fall of the NHL’s biggest scandal in decades. Win over frustrated veterans, improve morale and right the ship despite being a mere interim coach with no job security beyond this season. Navigate an in-season rebuild declaration and the trades of the team’s starting goalie and second-leading goal-scorer. Keep the team fighting until the final day of a totally lost season.
