2008–09 Montreal Canadiens season

2008–09 Montreal Canadiens
Division	2nd Northeast
Conference	8th Eastern
2008–09 record	41–30–11
Home record	24–10–7
Road record	17–20–4
Goals for	249
Goals against	247
Team information
General Manager	Bob Gainey
Coach	Guy Carbonneau (Oct–Mar) Bob Gainey (Mar–Apr)
Captain	Saku Koivu
Alternate captains	Christopher Higgins (Oct–Jan) Mike Komisarek (Jan–Apr) Alexei Kovalev
Arena	Bell Centre
Average attendance	21,273 (100%) Total: 893,466
Team leaders
Goals	Alexei Kovalev (26)
Assists	Andrei Markov (52)
Points	Alexei Kovalev (65)
Penalties in minutes	Mike Komisarek (121)
Plus/minus	Alex Tanguay (+12)
Wins	Carey Price (23)
Goals against average	Carey Price (2.83)
<2007–08 2009–10>

The 2008–09 Montreal Canadiens season was their 100th season of play and 92nd in the National Hockey League (NHL). The organization was celebrating the 100th anniversary of its founding in 1909. The Montreal Canadiens hosted the 57th NHL All-Star Game at the Bell Centre on January 25, 2009, and the 59th NHL Entry Draft in June 2009 as part of the team's celebrations for its centennial anniversary.^[1] Key dates prior to the start of the season include:

• The 2008 NHL Entry Draft took place in Ottawa on June 20–21.
• The free agency period began on July 1.

Offseason

Throughout much of the off-season, Canadiens' General Manager Bob Gainey pursued a possible contract with unrestricted free agent Mats Sundin, formerly the captain of Montreal's historic rival, the Toronto Maple Leafs. The signing efforts started prior to July 1, 2008, and continued into August, as Gainey was still actively pursuing Sundin. This, despite the fact that Sundin's agent mentioned his player "wasn't close" to making a decision on his future, and was strongly considering retirement.^[2] The chase ended with the acquisition of forward Robert Lang from the Chicago Blackhawks.^[3]

The Canadiens also acquired veteran forward Alex Tanguay from the Calgary Flames in exchange for the 25th overall pick in the 2007–2008 entry draft. Enforcer George Laraque and goaltender Marc Denis were signed to the team through free agency. Unrestricted free agents Michael Ryder, Mark Streit and Bryan Smolinski did not return to the team.

Pre-season

The pre-season schedule consisted of the team playing nine games in 13 days. The team claimed victory in six of these encounters. The initial game of the pre-season was played against the Boston Bruins in Halifax, Nova Scotia. The Canadiens took part in the CBC's Kraft Hockeyville Series by playing a game against the Buffalo Sabres at the Sporting Centre Benoît Levesque in Roberval, Quebec.^[4]

Some noteworthy performances at the Canadiens training camp were put forth by prospects Max Pacioretty,^[5] Yannick Weber and Ben Maxwell.

Regular season

Centennial year celebrations

The team has announced its intention to retire two uniform numbers during the 2008–09 season. As of March 2009, the only confirmed number is Patrick Roy's number 33, which was retired on November 22, 2008.^[6] In celebration of the Montreal Canadiens' centennial, the 2009 NHL All-Star Game was held in Montreal on January 25, 2009, and the 2009 NHL Entry Draft, scheduled for June 2009, was awarded to the city.

October

On October 10, the Canadiens embarked on a trip for three consecutive road games where they opened the season against the Buffalo Sabres, at the HSBC Arena.^[8] Montreal lost the opening game of the season in shootout, but subsequently won 6–1 against the Toronto Maple Leafs on October 11 and 5–3 against the Philadelphia Flyers on October 13.^[9][10] The team returned to Montreal after four days on the road and a 2–0–1 record. The Canadiens hosted the Boston Bruins for their 100th home opening game and won 4–3 in shootout, with Alex Tanguay scoring the winning goal.

On October 18, Saku Koivu achieved his 422nd assist with the Montreal Canadiens and surpassed Maurice "the Rocket" Richard at number seven for all-time assists in franchise history. Two days later, he got his 600th NHL career point when the Canadiens defeated the Florida Panthers 3–1.

According to a Forbes report published in late October 2008, the franchise ranks as the third most valuable in the NHL at US$334 million, making an 18% increase in the past season.^[11] The Toronto Maple Leafs and Detroit Red Wings were respectively ranked first and second in the report.^[11] The Canadiens finished October with a 7–1–1 record in Minnesota and concluded the month with two consecutive road wins and a perfect overall road record.^[12]

November

On November 1, against the New York Islanders, Andrei Markov became the second defenceman in franchise history, after Guy Lapointe, to get five points in his first five road games of the season.^[13] On November 10, the league announced that forward Tom Kostopoulos was suspended for three games after hitting Toronto Maple Leafs defenceman Mike Van Ryn from behind.^[14] On November 11, Christopher Higgins got his first NHL career hat-trick in a 4–0 win against the Ottawa Senators.^[15] On November 22, the jersey number 33 of legendary goaltender Patrick Roy was retired.^[16]

On November 24, against the New York Islanders, Ryan O'Byrne scored on his own net during a delayed penalty call, where Carey Price was pulled off for an extra attacker. On November 29, Mike Komisarek—who was not playing due to injury—temporarily took a place behind the bench as an assistant coach, in replacement of Doug Jarvis, who was at his father's bedside.^[17] Rookie right winger Matt D'Agostini was recalled from Hamilton Bulldogs of the American Hockey League (AHL) and Roman Hamrlik got his 400th NHL career assist in a 3–2 win over the Buffalo Sabres.^[18]

December

On December 2, Saku Koivu achieved his 612th point with the Montreal Canadiens after recording two assists in a 5–4 win over the Atlanta Thrashers. He tied Mats Naslund at 11th for all-time points in franchise history. Koivu then surpassed Naslund on December 6 after recording an assist in a 2–1 overtime loss over the New Jersey Devils. Matt D'Agostini scored his first NHL career goal and point and Roman Hamrlik played his 100th game with the club.^[19]

The Montreal Canadiens celebrated the 99th anniversary of the franchise on December 4 with a 6–2 win over the New York Rangers. Matt D'Agostini got his first NHL assist in a two-point performance. Georges Laraque got his first two points with his new team.^[20] D'Agostini had a successful debut with the team, recording six goals and two assists in his first 11 games.^[21] On December 13, Ben Maxwell played his first game in the NHL against the Washington Capitals after Saku Koivu was placed on the injured reserve list. On December 18, against the Philadelphia Flyers, Alexei Kovalev got his 900th NHL career point.

After the Christmas break, the Canadiens were back in action on the road on December 27 and won 3–2 against the Pittsburgh Penguins. The Montreal Canadiens enjoyed their 3000th franchise victory, with a 5–2 win over the Florida Panthers at Sunrise on December 29, solidifying their place as the most successful team in NHL history. Andrei Kostitsyn and Maxim Lapierre scored their first career hat-tricks during this road trip.

January

General Manager Bob Gainey presented his mid-season report on January 13. He stated that he was looking to improve the team's power play, which was 26th in the league, and he wanted to acquire a proven player capable of helping the power play. When asked by a reporter what was his best transaction since taking over as the team's general manager, he answered that the hiring of Guy Carbonneau as head coach was his best move.

February

In order to help bolster their power play, Bob Gainey acquired Matthieu Schneider from the Atlanta Trashers for a combination of draft picks. This is Schneider's second tenure with the Canadiens, who began his career in Montreal after being drafted by the team in 1987.

On February 17, Alexei Kovalev was asked by Managing Director Bob Gainey to go home and take a rest. He missed two games. There were rumors that he would be traded and the city was abuzz. Kovalev rejoined the team on February 21 and scored one goal and added two assists in a convincing 5–3 win over the Ottawa Senators. Kovalev received the first star of the game to the delight of the Montreal crowd.

A reporter for the Montreal newspaper La Presse stated on the evening of February 19 that the February 20 edition of the paper would have an exposé that would make the Kovalev situation seem inconsequential. The paper reported that Roman Hamrlik and brothers Andrei and Sergei Kostitsyn were involved with a person believed to be part of an organized crime ring in Montreal. Although the players have admitted that they know the person in question, no accusations nor proof has been provided indicating that the players were involved in any illegal activities. The article has since been written off as tabloid journalism and a major example on how the Montreal media negatively treat the Canadiens players.

On February 26, Gainey traded Steve Begin to the Dallas Stars for Doug Janik, who was immediately sent to the Hamilton Bulldogs. Begin, who was often a healthy scratch during the season, would have been an unrestricted free agent at the end of the season.

Saku Koivu scored his 624th point with the Canadiens with an assist in a February 27 game against the Philadelphia Flyers. He became the tenth all-time leading scorer in Canadiens history, surpassing Elmer Lach.

The Canadiens claimed Glen Metropolit off waivers from the Philadelphia Flyers on February 27. Metropolit was practicing with the Flyers earlier in the day when Flyers General Manager Paul Holmgren informed him, "I've got good news and bad news. The good news is that you're playing tonight. The bad news is that you're playing for the Canadiens." The Canadiens were in town playing the Flyers that same day and Metropolit simply moved his equipment to the visitor's dressing room.

March

Approaching the NHL trade deadline, Bob Gainey traded for Mathieu Schneider and claimed Glen Metropolit. Gainey confirmed that he couldn't risk trading away his young prospects for any "rental players."

On March 9, Gainey announced that he was replacing Guy Carbonneau as head coach until the end of the season. Don Lever was named assistant-coach.

Patrice Brisebois played his 1,000th NHL game on March 14 in a 3–2 lost to the New Jersey Devils. During that same game, Martin Brodeur tied the all-time NHL record for career wins with 551, tying Canadiens great Patrick Roy, who was in attendance at that game. Brodeur was given the first star of the game and received a standing ovation from his home province crowd.

Alex Tanguay scored a season-high five points (two goals and three assists) on March 24 in a 6–3 win against the Atlanta Thrashers at the Bell Centre.

Alexei Kovalev scored his 100th goal as a member of the Canadiens (and 23rd goal of the season) in a 4–1 win against the Chicago Blackhawks on March 31.

April

The Canadiens finished the regular season having tied the Carolina Hurricanes for the most power play opportunities, with 374.^[22]

Standings

Divisional standings

Northeast Division

		GP	W	L	OTL	GF	GA	Pts
1	z – Boston Bruins	82	53	19	10	274	196	116
2	Montreal Canadiens	82	41	30	11	249	247	93
3	Buffalo Sabres	82	41	32	9	250	234	91
4	Ottawa Senators	82	36	35	11	217	237	83
5	Toronto Maple Leafs	82	34	35	13	250	293	81

Conference standings

Eastern Conference

R		Div	GP	W	L	OTL	GF	GA	Pts
1	z – Boston Bruins	NE	82	53	19	10	274	196	116
2	y – Washington Capitals	SE	82	50	24	8	272	245	108
3	y – New Jersey Devils	AT	82	51	27	4	244	209	106
4	Pittsburgh Penguins	AT	82	45	28	9	264	239	99
5	Philadelphia Flyers	AT	82	44	27	11	264	238	99
6	Carolina Hurricanes	SE	82	45	30	7	239	226	97
7	New York Rangers	AT	82	43	30	9	210	218	95
8	Montreal Canadiens	NE	82	41	30	11	249	247	93
8.5
9	Florida Panthers	SE	82	41	30	11	234	231	93
10	Buffalo Sabres	NE	82	41	32	9	250	234	91
11	Ottawa Senators	NE	82	36	35	11	217	237	83
12	Toronto Maple Leafs	NE	82	34	35	13	250	293	81
13	Atlanta Thrashers	SE	82	35	41	6	257	280	76
14	Tampa Bay Lightning	SE	82	24	40	18	210	279	66
15	New York Islanders	AT	82	26	47	9	201	279	61

bold – qualified for playoffs, y – division winner, z – placed first in conference (and division)

AT – Atlantic Division, NE – Northeast Division, SE – Southeast Division

Schedule and results

  Win (2 points)   Loss (0 points)   Overtime/shootout loss (1 point)

2008–09 Game log
Preseason Date Visitor Score Home Location In goal Att Record Recap September 22 Montreal Canadiens 3–8 Boston Bruins Halifax, Nova Scotia Halak, Denis 10,595 0–1–0 September 23 Buffalo Sabres 2–3 Montreal Canadiens Roberval, Quebec Denis 1,000 1–1–0 September 24 Montreal Canadiens 3–2 SO Detroit Red Wings Detroit, MI Price, Desjardins 15,319 2–1–0 September 26 Ottawa Senators 0–5 Montreal Canadiens Montreal Halak 21,273 3–1–0 September 27 Montreal Canadiens 1–3 Ottawa Senators Kanata, Ontario Desjardins, Denis 20,282 3–2–0 September 28 Florida Panthers 2–3 SO Montreal Canadiens Montreal Halak 21,273 4–2–0 September 30 Detroit Red Wings 1–2 SO Montreal Canadiens Montreal Price 21,273 5–2–0 October 1 Boston Bruins 1–3 Montreal Canadiens Montreal Halak 21,273 6–2–0 October 4 Minnesota Wild 3–0 Montreal Canadiens Montreal Price 21,273 6–3–0 Preseason record: 6–3–0 (home: 5–1–0; road: 1–2–0)
October # Date Visitor Score Home Decision Attendance Record Points Recap 1 October 10 Montreal Canadiens 1–2 SO Buffalo Sabres Price 18,690 0–0–1 1 2 October 11 Montreal Canadiens 6–1 Toronto Maple Leafs Halak 19,370 1–0–1 3 3 October 13 Montreal Canadiens 5–3 Philadelphia Flyers Price 19,323 2–0–1 5 4 October 15 Boston Bruins 3–4 SO Montreal Canadiens Price 21,273 3–0–1 7 5 October 18 Phoenix Coyotes 1–4 Montreal Canadiens Price 21,273 4–0–1 9 6 October 20 Florida Panthers 1–3 Montreal Canadiens Halak 21,273 5–0–1 11 7 October 25 Anaheim Ducks 6–4 Montreal Canadiens Price* 21,273 5–1–1 11 8 October 28 Carolina Hurricanes 2–3 SO Montreal Canadiens Price 21,273 6–1–1 13 9 October 30 Montreal Canadiens 2–1 Minnesota Wild Price 18,568 7–1–1 15 Monthly record: 7–1–1 (home: 4–1–0; road: 3–0–1) *Halak was replaced after the 4th goal by Anaheim. Price was credited with the decision as he let in the game winning 5th goal.
November # Date Visitor Score Home Decision Attendance Record Points Recap 10 November 1 Montreal Canadiens 5–4 New York Islanders Price 14,429 8–1–1 17 11 November 7 Montreal Canadiens 3–4 SO Columbus Blue Jackets Halak 14,603 8–1–2 18 12 November 8 Montreal Canadiens 3–6 Toronto Maple Leafs Price 19,512 8–2–2 18 13 November 11 Ottawa Senators 0–4 Montreal Canadiens Price 21,273 9–2–2 20 14 November 13 Montreal Canadiens 1–6 Boston Bruins Price 16,816 9–3–2 20 15 November 15 Philadelphia Flyers 2–1 Montreal Canadiens Halak 21,273 9–4–2 20 16 November 16 Montreal Canadiens 3–2 SO St. Louis Blues Price 19,150 10–4–2 22 17 November 18 Montreal Canadiens 1–2 Carolina Hurricanes Price 12,164 10–5–2 22 18 November 20 Montreal Canadiens 3–2 SO Ottawa Senators Price 20,475 11–5–2 24 19 November 22 Boston Bruins 3–2 SO Montreal Canadiens Price 21,273 11–5–3 25 20 November 24 New York Islanders 4–3 SO Montreal Canadiens Price 21,273 11–5–4 26 21 November 26 Montreal Canadiens 3–1 Detroit Red Wings Price 20,066 12–5–4 28 22 November 28 Montreal Canadiens 0–3 Washington Capitals Halak 18,277 12–6–4 28 23 November 29 Buffalo Sabres 2–3 Montreal Canadiens Price 21,273 13–6–4 30 Monthly record: 6–5–3 (home: 2–1–2; road: 4–4–1) Season record: 13–6–4 (home: 6–2–2; road: 7–4–2)
December # Date Visitor Score Home Decision Attendance Record Points Recap 24 December 2 Atlanta Thrashers 4–5 Montreal Canadiens Price 21,273 14–6–4 32 25 December 4 New York Rangers 2–6 Montreal Canadiens Price 21,273 15–6–4 34 26 December 6 New Jersey Devils 2–1 OT Montreal Canadiens Price 21,273 15–6–5 35 27 December 9 Calgary Flames 1–4 Montreal Canadiens Halak 21,273 16–6–5 37 28 December 11 Tampa Bay Lightning 3–1 Montreal Canadiens Halak 21,273 16–7–5 37 29 December 13 Washington Capitals 2–1 Montreal Canadiens Halak 21,273 16–8–5 37 30 December 16 Montreal Canadiens 2–3 Carolina Hurricanes Halak 16,434 16–9–5 37 31 December 18 Philadelphia Flyers 2–5 Montreal Canadiens Halak 21,273 17–9–5 39 32 December 20 Buffalo Sabres 3–4 OT Montreal Canadiens Halak 21,273 18–9–5 41 33 December 21 Carolina Hurricanes 3–2 OT Montreal Canadiens Price 21,273 18–9–6 42 34 December 27 Montreal Canadiens 3–2 Pittsburgh Penguins Price 17,132 19–9–6 44 35 December 29 Montreal Canadiens 5–2 Florida Panthers Price 20,741 20–9–6 46 36 December 30 Montreal Canadiens 2–1 SO Tampa Bay Lightning Price 20,454 21–9–6 48 Monthly record: 8–3–2 (home: 5–2–2; road: 3–1–0) Season record: 21–9–6 (home: 11–4–4; road: 10–5–2)
January # Date Visitor Score Home Decision Attendance Record Points Recap 37 January 2 Montreal Canadiens 1–4 New Jersey Devils Halak 17,625 21–10–6 48 38 January 4 Florida Panthers 5–6 SO Montreal Canadiens Halak 21,273 22–10–6 50 39 January 7 Montreal Canadiens 6–3 New York Rangers Halak 18,200 23–10–6 52 40 January 8 Toronto Maple Leafs 2–6 Montreal Canadiens Halak 21,273 24–10–6 54 41 January 10 Washington Capitals 4–5 Montreal Canadiens Halak 21,273 25–10–6 56 42 January 13 Montreal Canadiens 1–3 Boston Bruins Halak 17,565 25–11–6 56 43 January 15 Nashville Predators 2–3 Montreal Canadiens Halak 21,273 26–11–6 58 44 January 17 Montreal Canadiens 5–4 SO Ottawa Senators Halak 20,413 27–11–6 60 45 January 20 Montreal Canadiens 2–4 Atlanta Thrashers Halak 13,076 27–12–6 60 46 January 21 Montreal Canadiens 2–5 New Jersey Devils Price 16,235 27–13–6 60 47 January 27 Montreal Canadiens 3–5 Tampa Bay Lightning Price 15,912 27–14–6 60 48 January 29 Montreal Canadiens 1–5 Florida Panthers Price 16,334 27–15–6 60 49 January 31 Los Angeles Kings 3–4 Montreal Canadiens Price 21,273 28–15–6 62 Monthly record: 7–6–0 (home: 5–0–0; road: 2–6–0) Season record: 28–15–6 (home: 16–4–4; road: 12–11–2)
February # Date Visitor Score Home Decision Attendance Record Points Recap 50 February 1 Boston Bruins 3–1 Montreal Canadiens Price 21,273 28–16–6 62 51 February 3 Pittsburgh Penguins 2–4 Montreal Canadiens Price 21,273 29–16–6 64 52 February 6 Montreal Canadiens 2–3 Buffalo Sabres Price 18,161 29–17–6 64 53 February 7 Toronto Maple Leafs 5–2 Montreal Canadiens Price 21,273 29–18–6 64 54 February 9 Montreal Canadiens 2–6 Calgary Flames Price 19,289 29–19–6 64 55 February 11 Montreal Canadiens 2–7 Edmonton Oilers Price 16,839 29–20–6 64 56 February 13 Montreal Canadiens 4–2 Colorado Avalanche Halak 17,514 30–20–6 66 57 February 15 Montreal Canadiens 2–4 Vancouver Canucks Halak 18,630 30–21–6 66 58 February 18 Montreal Canadiens 3–4 SO Washington Capitals Price 18,277 30–21–7 67 59 February 19 Montreal Canadiens 4–5 Pittsburgh Penguins Price 16,968 30–22–7 67 60 February 21 Ottawa Senators 3–5 Montreal Canadiens Halak 21,273 31–22–7 69 61 February 24 Vancouver Canucks 0–3 Montreal Canadiens Halak 21,273 32–22–7 71 62 February 27 Montreal Canadiens 4–3 OT Philadelphia Flyers Halak 19,881 33–22–7 73 63 February 28 San Jose Sharks 2–3 Montreal Canadiens Halak 21,273 34–22–7 75 Monthly record: 6–7–1 (home: 4–2–0; road: 2–5–1) Season record: 34–22–7 (home: 20–6–4; road: 14–16–3)
March # Date Visitor Score Home Decision Attendance Record Points Recap 64 March 4 Montreal Canadiens 1–5 Buffalo Sabres Price 18,690 34–23–7 75 65 March 6 Montreal Canadiens 0–2 Atlanta Thrashers Price 14,900 34–24–7 75 66 March 8 Montreal Canadiens 3–1 Dallas Stars Price 17,646 35–24–7 77 67 March 10 Edmonton Oilers 3–4 OT Montreal Canadiens Price 21,273 36–24–7 79 68 March 12 New York Islanders 3–2 OT Montreal Canadiens Price 21,273 36–24–8 80 69 March 14 New Jersey Devils 3–1 Montreal Canadiens Halak 21,273 36–25–8 80 70 March 17 New York Rangers 4–3 SO Montreal Canadiens Price 21,273 36–25–9 81 71 March 19 Montreal Canadiens 4–5 Ottawa Senators Halak 20,500 36–26–9 81 72 March 21 Toronto Maple Leafs 5–2 Montreal Canadiens Halak 21,273 36–27–9 81 73 March 24 Atlanta Thrashers 3–6 Montreal Canadiens Price 21,273 37–27–9 83 74 March 26 Tampa Bay Lightning 2–3 OT Montreal Canadiens Price 21,273 38–27–9 85 75 March 28 Buffalo Sabres 4–3 SO Montreal Canadiens Price 21,273 38–27–10 86 76 March 31 Chicago Blackhawks 1–4 Montreal Canadiens Price 21,273 39–27–10 88 Monthly record: 5–5–3 (home: 4–2–3; road: 1–3–0) Season record: 39–27–10 (home: 24–8–7; road: 15–19–3)
April # Date Visitor Score Home Decision Attendance Record Points Recap 77 April 2 Montreal Canadiens 5–1 New York Islanders Halak 15,255 40–27–10 90 [23] 78 April 4 Montreal Canadiens 6–2 Toronto Maple Leafs Halak 19,516 41–27–10 92 79 April 6 Ottawa Senators 3–2 Montreal Canadiens Halak 21,273 41–28–10 92 80 April 7 Montreal Canadiens 3–1 New York Rangers Price 18,200 41–29–10 92 81 April 9 Montreal Canadiens 4–5 OT Boston Bruins Price 17,565 41–29–11 93 82 April 11 Pittsburgh Penguins 3–1 Montreal Canadiens Price 21,273 41–30–11 93 Monthly record: 2–3–1 (home: 0–2–0; road: 2–1–1) Season record: 41–30–11 (home: 24–10–7; road: 17–20–4)
Schedule

Playoffs

The Montreal Canadiens clinched a playoff spot following a 5–4 overtime loss against the Boston Bruins on April 9, 2008, their 81st game of the season.

Eastern Conference Quarterfinals: vs. (1) Boston Bruins

The Montreal Canadiens earned the No. 8 seed in the Eastern Conference by finishing with 93 points in the conference. With key players missing such as Andrei Markov, Mathieu Schneider, Alex Tanguay and Carey Price(who was struggling), they were swept in four games.

2009 Stanley Cup playoffs – Eastern Conference Quarter-finals vs. (1) Boston Bruins # Date Venue Visitor Score Home OT Montreal goals Boston goals Decision Attendance Series Recap 1 April 16 TD Banknorth Garden Montreal 2–4 Boston Bruins Higgins, Kovalev Kessel, Krejci, Chara (PP), Kessel (EN) Thomas 17,565 Boston leads 1–0 2 April 18 TD Banknorth Garden Montreal 1–5 Boston Bruins Kovalev Savard (PP), Kobasew, Hnidy, Savard (PP), Ryder (PP) Thomas 17,565 Boston leads 2–0 3 April 20 Bell Centre Boston Bruins 4–2 Montreal Higgins, Weber Kessel, Thornton, Ryder, Kobasew (EN) Thomas 21,273 Boston leads 3–0 4 April 22 Bell Centre Boston Bruins 4–1 Montreal A. Kostitsyn Ryder, Krejci, Kessel, Ryder Thomas 21,273 Boston wins 4–0

* Player scoring winning goal is shown in italics.

Player statistics

Skaters

Note: GP = Games played; G = Goals; A = Assists; Pts = Points; +/− = Plus/Minus; PIM = Penalty Minutes

Goaltenders

Note: GP = Games Played; TOI = Time On Ice (minutes); W = Wins; L = Losses; OT = Overtime Losses; GA = Goals Against; GAA= Goals Against Average; SA= Shots Against; SV= Saves; Sv% = Save Percentage; SO= Shutouts

Regular season
Player GP TOI W L OT GA GAA SA Sv% SO G A PIM Halak, JaroslavJaroslav Halak 34 1931 18 14 1 92 2.86 1077 .915 1 0 0 0 Price, CareyCarey Price 52 3036 23 16 10 143 2.83 1513 .905 1 0 1 4

Playoffs
Player GP TOI W L GA GAA SA Sv% SO Price, CareyCarey Price 4 219 0 4 15 4.11 123 0.878 0 Halak, JaroslavJaroslav Halak 1 20 0 0 0 0.00 5 1.000 0

^†Denotes player spent time with another team before joining Canadiens. Stats reflect time with Canadiens only.
^‡Traded mid-season. Stats reflect time with Canadiens only.

Roster

Player roster

#	Nat	Player	Pos	S/G	Age	Acquired	Birthplace
51	United States !	Bouillon, FrancisFrancis Bouillon	2.0 !D	L	41	2002	New York
71	Canada !	Brisebois, PatricePatrice Brisebois	2.0 !D	R	45	2007	Montreal
28	Canada !	Chipchura, KyleKyle Chipchura	4.0 !C	L	30	2004	Westlock, Alberta
36	Canada !	D'Agostini, MattMatt D'Agostini	7.0 !RW	R	30	2005	Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario
25	Canada !	Dandenault, MathieuMathieu Dandenault	2.5 !D/RW	R	40	2005	Sherbrooke, Quebec
38	Canada !	Denis, MarcMarc Denis	1.0 !G	L	39	2008	Montreal
26	Canada !	Gorges, JoshJosh Gorges	2.0 !D	L	32	2007	Kelowna, British Columbia
41	Slovakia !	Halak, JaroslavJaroslav Halak	1.0 !G	L	31	2003	Bratislava, Slovakia
44	Czech Republic !	Hamrlik, RomanRoman Hamrlik	2.0 !D	L	42	2007	Zlín, Czechoslovakia
24	Canada !	Henry, AlexAlex Henry	2.0 !D	L	37	2008	Elliot Lake, Ontario
21	United States !	Higgins, ChristopherChristopher Higgins	7.0 !RW	L	33	2002	Smithtown, New York
53	United States !	Janik, DougDoug Janik	2.0 !D	L	36	2009	Agawam, Massachusetts
11	Finland !	Koivu, SakuSaku Koivu (C)	4.0 !C	L	42	1993	Turku, Finland
8	United States !	Komisarek, MikeMike Komisarek (A)	2.0 !D	R	34	2001	West Islip, New York
46	Belarus !	Kostitsyn, AndreiAndrei Kostitsyn	6.0 !LW	L	31	2003	Navapolatsk, U.S.S.R.
74	Belarus !	Kostitsyn, SergeiSergei Kostitsyn	6.0 !LW	L	29	2005	Navapolatsk, U.S.S.R.
6	Canada !	Kostopoulos, TomTom Kostopoulos	7.0 !RW	R	37	2007	Mississauga, Ontario
27	Russia !	Kovalev, AlexeiAlexei Kovalev (A)	7.0 !RW	L	43	2004	Tolyatti, U.S.S.R.
20	Czech Republic !	Lang, RobertRobert Lang	4.0 !C	R	45	2008	Teplice, Czechoslovakia
40	Canada !	Lapierre, MaximMaxim Lapierre	4.0 !C	R	31	2003	St. Leonard, Quebec
17	Canada !	Laraque, GeorgesGeorges Laraque	7.0 !RW	R	39	2008	Montreal
84	Canada !	Latendresse, GuillaumeGuillaume Latendresse	7.0 !RW	L	29	2005	Sainte-Catherine, Quebec
79	Russia !	Markov, AndreiAndrei Markov	2.0 !D	L	37	1998	Voskresensk, U.S.S.R.
80	Canada !	Maxwell, BenBen Maxwell	4.0 !C	L	28	2006	North Vancouver, British Columbia
15	Canada !	Metropolit, GlenGlen Metropolit	4.0 !C	R	42	2009	Toronto
3	Canada !	O'Byrne, RyanRyan O'Byrne	2.0 !D	R	32	2003	Victoria, British Columbia
67	United States !	Pacioretty, MaxMax Pacioretty	6.0 !LW	L	28	2007	New Canaan, Connecticut
14	Czech Republic !	Plekanec, TomasTomas Plekanec	4.0 !C	L	34	2001	Kladno, Czechoslovakia
31	Canada !	Price, CareyCarey Price	1.0 !G	L	29	2005	Anahim Lake, British Columbia
24	United States !	Schneider, MathieuMathieu Schneider	2.0 !D	L	47	2009	New York City
70	Canada !	Stewart, GregoryGregory Stewart	6.0 !LW	L	30	2004	Kitchener, Ontario
13	Canada !	Tanguay, AlexAlex Tanguay	6.0 !LW	L	37	2008	Sainte-Justine, Quebec
68	Switzerland !	Weber, YannickYannick Weber	2.0 !D	R	28	2007	Morges, Switzerland

Staff

Montreal Canadiens staff
	Executive operations Ownership: Gillett Entertainment Group Chairman: George N. Gillett Jr. Vice Chairman: Jeff Joyce President: Pierre Boivin Vice-President/General Manager: Bob Gainey			Hockey operations Assistant General Manager, Player Personnel: Pierre Gauthier Assistant General Manager, Hockey Administration: Julien Brisebois Director, Player Personnel: Trevor Timmins Head Coach: Bob Gainey Assistant coaches: Kirk Muller, Doug Jarvis Goaltending Coach: Roland Melanson Strength and Conditioning: Scott Livingston

Ambassadors

• Jean Beliveau
• Guy Lafleur
• Yvan Cournoyer
• Rejean Houle
• Henri Richard

Awards and records

Team awards

On April 11, following the final home game against the Pittsburgh Penguins, the team announced its award winners for the season.

Player	Award	Notes
Carey Price	Molson Cup	Awarded to the Most Valuable Player (MVP) and with the most "three stars" recognitions.
Patrice Brisebois	Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy nominee	Nominated by the Writers Association for league-wide recognition.
Maxime Lapierre	Jacques Beauchamp Trophy	Awarded by the Sports Writers Association of Montreal to a player for recognition of his outstanding achievement in the game of hockey.

National Hockey League Awards

All-Star Game

Elected to starting lineup

• Alexei Kovalev (RW) (Captain/Eastern Conference All-Star Team, All-Star Game MVP)
• Mike Komisarek (D)
• Andrei Markov (D)
• Carey Price (G)

Nominated

• Guy Carbonneau (Assistant coach)

Bill Masterton Trophy nominee

• Patrice Brisebois (D)

Milestones

Regular season
Player	Milestone	Reached
Alexei Kovalev	200th point with the Montreal Canadiens	October 12, 2008
Mike Komisarek	300th NHL career game	October 18, 2008
Saku Koivu	422nd assist with the Montreal Canadiens 7th all-time in franchise history	October 18, 2008
Saku Koivu	600th NHL career point	October 20, 2008
Andrei Markov	500th NHL career game	October 25, 2008
Josh Gorges	1st goal with the Montreal Canadiens	November 24, 2008
Roman Hamrlik	400th NHL career assist	November 29, 2008
Matt D'Agostini	1 NHL career goal 1st NHL career point	December 2, 2008
Roman Hamrlik	100th NHL game with the Montreal Canadiens	December 2, 2008
Saku Koivu	612th point with the Montreal Canadiens T-11th all-time in franchise history	December 2, 2008
Roman Hamrlik	1100th NHL career game	December 4, 2008
Matt D'Agostini	1st NHL career assist	December 4, 2008
Saku Koivu	613th point with the Montreal Canadiens 11th all-time in franchise history	December 6, 2008
Alex Kovalev	1100th NHL career game	December 9, 2008
Ben Maxwell	1st NHL career game	December 13, 2008
Alex Kovalev	900th NHL career point	December 18, 2008
Andrei Kostitsyn	1st NHL career hat-trick	December 27, 2008
Maxime Lapierre	1st NHL career hat-trick	December 29, 2008
Max Pacioretty	1st NHL career game 1st NHL career goal 1st NHL career point	January 2, 2009
Marc Denis	1st game with the Montreal Canadiens	January 2, 2009
Max Pacioretty	1st NHL career assist	January 7, 2009
Robert Lang	2nd NHL career hat-trick	January 7, 2009
Yannick Weber	1st NHL career game	January 8, 2009
Patrice Brisebois	364th point with the Montreal Canadiens 5th all-time for a defenceman in franchise history	January 8, 2009
Gregory Stewart	1st NHL career assist 1st NHL career point	January 17, 2009
Andrei Markov	300th NHL career point	January 17, 2009
Alex Henry	1st game with the Montreal Canadiens	February 1, 2009
Mathieu Schneider	1st game with the Montreal Canadiens (since returning to the team) 200th point with the Montreal Canadiens	February 18, 2009
Saku Koivu	623rd point with the Montreal Canadiens T-10th all-time in franchise history	February 24, 2009
Saku Koivu	624th point with the Montreal Canadiens 10th all-time in franchise history	February 27, 2009
Glen Metropolit	1st game with the Montreal Canadiens	February 27, 2009
Patrice Brisebois	1000th game in the NHL	March 14, 2009
Alex Kovalev	100th goal with Montreal Canadiens	March 31, 2009
Yannick Weber	1st NHL career assist 1st NHL career point	April 9, 2009
Yannick Weber	1st NHL career goal 1st NHL career playoff point	April 20, 2009

Transactions

The Canadiens have been involved in the following transactions during the 2008–09 season.

Trades

June 20, 2008	To Montreal Canadiens Alex Tanguay 5th round pick in 2008 (RW – Maxim Trunev)	To Calgary Flames 25th overall pick in 2008 (RW – Greg Nemisz) 2nd round pick in 2009 (D – Stefan Elliott)
September 12, 2008	To Montreal Canadiens Robert Lang	To Chicago Blackhawks 2nd round pick in 2010 (C – Jared Knight)
January 5, 2009	To Montreal Canadiens T. J. Kemp	To Pittsburgh Penguins Conditional 2010 seventh round draft pick (LW – John Westin – condition not met)
February 16, 2009	To Montreal Canadiens Mathieu Schneider Conditional 2009 3rd round draft pick (C – Joonas Nattinen)	To Atlanta Thrashers 2nd round pick in 2009 (LW – Jeremy Morin) 3rd round pick in 2010 (D – Julian Melchiori)
February 26, 2009	To Montreal Canadiens Doug Janik	To Dallas Stars Steve Begin
February 27, 2009	To Montreal Canadiens Glen Metropolit	To Philadelphia Flyers claimed off waivers

Free agent acquisitions

Player Former team Contract terms Georges Laraque Pittsburgh Penguins 3 years, $4.5 million Marc Denis Tampa Bay Lightning 1 year, undisclosed Alex Henry Nashville Predators 1 year, undisclosed Ryan Flinn Edmonton Oilers 1 year, undisclosed

Players lost to free agency

Player New team Mark Streit New York Islanders Michael Ryder Boston Bruins Yann Danis New York Islanders Janne Lahti Jokerit Helsinki (Fin) Jonathan Ferland EC Villacher SV (Aus) Brett Engelhardt Augsburger Panther (Ger) Duncan Milroy ERC Ingolstadt

Draft picks

Montreal's picks at the 2008 NHL Entry Draft in Ottawa, Ontario.^[24]

Round	#	Player	Position	Nationality	College/junior/club team (league)
2	25	Danny Kristo	RW	USA	US National Team Development Program (NAHL)
3	86	Steve Quailer	RW	USA	Northeastern University (Hockey East)
4	116	Jason Missiaen	G	Canada	Peterborough Petes (OHL)
5	138	Maxim Trunev	F	Russia	Severstal Cherepovets-2 (Rus3)
7	206	Patrick Johnson	F	USA	University of Wisconsin (NCAA)

Broadcasting

Country	Broadcaster
Canada	English: CBC, TSN, NHL Network; French: RDS, RIS, RDS.CA
USA	Versus, ESPN, NBC, CBS, Fox, HDNet, NHL Network, RDS.CA
Europe	NASN, NHL Network, RDS.CA
Russia	NTV (Russia), RDS.CA
Japan  South Korea	ASN, RDS.CA

Farm teams

Hamilton Bulldogs

The Hamilton Bulldogs remain Montreal's top affiliate in the American Hockey League in 2008–09.

Cincinnati Cyclones

Montreal continues their affiliation alongside the Nashville Predators for the Cincinnati Cyclones of the ECHL in 2008–09.^[25]

See also

• 2008–09 NHL season
• Montreal Canadiens centennial

References