2008–09 Montreal Canadiens season
Encyclopedia
The 2008–09
Montreal Canadiens
season is 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.
Key dates prior to the start of the season include:
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.
The chase ended with the acquisition of forward Robert Lang from the Chicago Blackhawks
.
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.
in Halifax, Nova Scotia
. The Montreal Canadiens took part in the CBC
's Kraft Hockeyville Series
by playing a game against the Buffalo Sabres
at the Sporting Centre Benoit Levesque in Roberval, Quebec
.
Some noteworthy performances at the Canadiens training camp were put forth by prospects
Max Pacioretty
, Yannick Weber
, and Ben Maxwell
.
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.
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.
, at the HSBC Arena.
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.
The team returned to Montreal after four days on the road and a 2–0–1 record. The Montreal 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 rank number 7 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 3rd most valuable in the league at US$334 million, making an 18% increase in the past season. The Toronto Maple Leafs and Detroit Red Wings
were respectively ranked 1st and 2nd in the report. 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.
, Andrei Markov became the second defenceman
in franchise history, after Guy Lapointe
, to get 5 points in his first 5 road games of the season. 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.
On November 11, Christopher Higgins
got his first NHL career hat-trick
in a 4-0 win against the Ottawa Senators
.
On November 22, the jersey number 33 of legendary goaltender
Patrick Roy was retired.
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.
Rookie right winger Matt D'Agostini
was recalled from Hamilton Bulldogs
of the American Hockey League
and Roman Hamrlik
got his 400th NHL career assist in a 3-2 win over the Buffalo Sabres.
. He tied Mats Naslund
at rank number 11 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.
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 2-points performance. Georges Laraque
got his first two points with his new team.
D'Agostini had a successful debut with the team, recording 6 goals and 2 assists in his first eleven games.
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, Alex 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-trick
s during this road trip.
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.
On February 17, Alex 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 1st 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 10th all-time leading scorer in Canadiens history, surpassing Elmer Lach
.
The Canadiens claimed Glen Metropolit
off waiver
s 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.
, 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 9 March, 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 1st star of the game and received a standing ovation from his home province crowd.
Alex Tanguay had a season high of 5 points (2 goals, 3 assists) on March 24 in a 6-3 win against the Atlanta Thrashers at the Bell Centre.
Alex 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.
on April 9, 2008, their 81st game of the season.
, Alex Tanguay
and Carey Price(who was struggling), they were swept in four games.
* Player scoring winning goal is shown in italics.
†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.
|}
, the team announced its award winners for the season.
during the 2008–09 season.
in Ottawa, Ontario
.
remain Montreal's top affiliate in the American Hockey League
in 2008–09
.
for the Cincinnati Cyclones
of the ECHL
in 2008–09
.
2008–09 NHL season
The 2008–09 NHL season was the 92nd season of operation of the National Hockey League . It was the first season since prior to the 2004–05 lockout in which every team played each other at least once during the season, following three seasons where teams only played against two divisions in the...
Montreal Canadiens
Montreal Canadiens
The Montreal Canadiens are a professional ice hockey team based in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. They are members of the Northeast Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League . The club is officially known as ...
season is their 100th
Montreal Canadiens seasons
This is a list of seasons completed by the Montreal Canadiens professional ice hockey club. This list documents the records and playoff results for all seasons the Canadiens completed in both the National Hockey Association and the National Hockey League .-NHA :Note: GP = Games played, W = Wins,...
season
Season (sports)
In an organized sports league, a season is the portion of one year in which regulated games of the sport are in session. For example, in Major League Baseball, one season lasts approximately from April 1 through October 1; in Association football, it is generally from August until May In an...
of play and 92nd in the National Hockey League
National Hockey League
The National Hockey League is an unincorporated not-for-profit association which operates a major professional ice hockey league of 30 franchised member clubs, of which 7 are currently located in Canada and 23 in the United States...
(NHL). The organization was celebrating the 100th anniversary of its founding in 1909
History of the Montreal Canadiens
The Montreal Canadiens ice hockey club, formally , was founded on December 4, 1909. It is the oldest professional hockey franchise in the world, and one of the four founding teams of the National Hockey League . The Canadiens have won the Stanley Cup 24 times: once while part of the National Hockey...
. The Montreal Canadiens hosted the 57th NHL All-Star Game
57th National Hockey League All-Star Game
The 57th National Hockey League All-Star Game was held at the Bell Centre in Montreal, Quebec, Canada, home of the Montreal Canadiens, in conjunction with the Montreal Canadiens centennial celebrations. The game was held between two teams, each representing a conference of the National Hockey League...
at the Bell Centre
Bell Centre
The Bell Centre , formerly known as the Molson Centre , is a sports and entertainment complex in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. It opened on March 16, 1996 after nearly three years under construction...
on January 25, 2009, and the 59th NHL Entry Draft
2009 NHL Entry Draft
The 2009 NHL Entry Draft was the 47th Entry Draft. It was held on June 26–27, 2009 at the Bell Centre in Montreal, Quebec. The Draft was part of the Montreal Canadiens centennial celebrations. National Hockey League teams took turns selecting amateur ice hockey players from junior, collegiate, or...
in June 2009, as part of the team's celebrations for its centennial anniversary.
Key dates prior to the start of the season include:
- The 2008 NHL Entry Draft2008 NHL Entry DraftThe 2008 NHL Entry Draft was the 46th NHL Entry Draft. It was hosted by the Ottawa Senators at Scotiabank Place in the city of Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, on June 20–21, 2008...
took place in Ottawa, Ontario, on June 20–21. - The free agencyFree agentIn professional sports, a free agent is a player whose contract with a team has expired and who is thus eligible to sign with another club or franchise....
period began on July 1.
Offseason
Throughout much of the offseason, Canadiens general manager Bob GaineyBob Gainey
Robert Michael "Le Capitaine" Gainey is the former executive vice president and general manager of the Montreal Canadiens of the National Hockey League . He is also a former professional ice hockey player who played for the Canadiens from 1973 until 1989...
pursued a possible contract with unrestricted free agent
Free agent
In professional sports, a free agent is a player whose contract with a team has expired and who is thus eligible to sign with another club or franchise....
Mats Sundin
Mats Sundin
Mats Johan Sundin is a retired Swedish professional ice hockey player. Originally drafted first overall in 1989, Sundin played his first four seasons in the NHL with the Quebec Nordiques. He was traded to the Toronto Maple Leafs in 1994, where he played the majority of his career, serving 11...
, formerly the captain
Captain (ice hockey)
In ice hockey, each team can designate an official captain for each game. The player serving as captain during the game wears a "C" on his or her jersey...
of Montreal's historic rival
National Hockey League rivalries
Rivalries in the National Hockey League have occurred between many teams and cities. Rivalries have arisen for many different reasons, the primary ones including geographic proximity, familiarity with opponents, on-ice incidents , and cultural, linguistic, or national pride.The importance of...
the Toronto Maple Leafs
Toronto Maple Leafs
The Toronto Maple Leafs are a professional ice hockey team based in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. They are members of the Northeast Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League...
. 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.
The chase ended with the acquisition of forward Robert Lang from the Chicago Blackhawks
Chicago Blackhawks
The Chicago Blackhawks are a professional ice hockey team based in Chicago, Illinois. They are members of the Central Division of the Western Conference of the National Hockey League . They have won four Stanley Cup championships since their founding in 1926, most recently coming in 2009-10...
.
The Canadiens also acquired veteran forward Alex Tanguay
Alex Tanguay
Alexandre Tanguay is a Canadian professional ice hockey winger currently with the Calgary Flames of the National Hockey League . He has additionally played with the Colorado Avalanche, Montreal Canadiens and Tampa Bay Lightning in the NHL and briefly for HC Lugano in the Swiss National League A in...
from the Calgary Flames
Calgary Flames
The Calgary Flames are a professional ice hockey team based in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. They are members of the Northwest Division of the Western Conference of the National Hockey League . The club is the third major-professional ice hockey team to represent the city of Calgary, following the...
in exchange for the 25th overall pick in the 2007-2008 entry draft. Enforcer George Laraque and goaltender Marc Denis
Marc Denis
Marc Denis is a former Canadian professional ice hockey goaltender, who last played with the Montreal Canadiens of the National Hockey League . For the 2009–10 season, he has been hired as the goaltenders' coach of the Chicoutimi Sagueneens, a Quebec Major Junior Hockey League team...
were signed to the team through free agency. Unrestricted free agents Michael Ryder
Michael Ryder
Michael Wayne Glen Ryder is a Canadian professional ice hockey right winger who plays for the Dallas Stars of the National Hockey League. He was born in St John's, Newfoundland.-Pre-NHL:...
, Mark Streit
Mark Streit
Mark Streit is a Swiss professional ice hockey defenceman and occasional forward and captain of the New York Islanders of the National Hockey League , also captaining the Swiss national team. He is presently one of five players in the NHL from Switzerland...
, and Bryan Smolinski
Bryan Smolinski
Bryan Anthony Smolinski is an American professional ice hockey center. The Boston Bruins drafted him 21st overall in 1990. He has played in the National Hockey League for the Pittsburgh Penguins, New York Islanders, Los Angeles Kings, Ottawa Senators, Chicago Blackhawks, Vancouver Canucks and...
did not return to the team.
Pre-season
The pre-season schedule consisted of the team playing nine games in thirteen days. The team claimed victory in six of these encounters. The initial game of the pre-season was played against the Boston BruinsBoston Bruins
The Boston Bruins are a professional ice hockey team based in Boston, Massachusetts, USA. They are members of the Northeast Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League . The team has been in existence since 1924, and is the league's third-oldest team and its oldest in the...
in Halifax, Nova Scotia
Nova Scotia
Nova Scotia is one of Canada's three Maritime provinces and is the most populous province in Atlantic Canada. The name of the province is Latin for "New Scotland," but "Nova Scotia" is the recognized, English-language name of the province. The provincial capital is Halifax. Nova Scotia is the...
. The Montreal Canadiens took part in the CBC
Canadian Broadcasting Corporation
The Canadian Broadcasting Corporation, commonly known as CBC and officially as CBC/Radio-Canada, is a Canadian crown corporation that serves as the national public radio and television broadcaster...
's Kraft Hockeyville Series
Hockeyville
Kraft Hockeyville is a Gemini Award-winning Canadian reality television series developed by CBC Sports and sponsored by Kraft Foods, the NHL and the NHL Players' Association in which communities across Canada compete to demonstrate their commitment to the sport of ice hockey...
by playing a game against the Buffalo Sabres
Buffalo Sabres
The Buffalo Sabres are a professional ice hockey team based in Buffalo, New York. They are members of the Northeast Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League .-Founding and early success: 1970-71—1980-81:...
at the Sporting Centre Benoit Levesque in Roberval, Quebec
Roberval, Quebec
Roberval is a city on the south-western shore of Lac Saint-Jean in the Le Domaine-du-Roy Regional County Municipality of Quebec, Canada. With a population of 10,544 in the Canada 2006 Census, it is the third largest city on this lake after Alma and Dolbeau-Mistassini.It is the seat of the...
.
Some noteworthy performances at the Canadiens training camp were put forth by prospects
Prospect (sports)
In sports, a prospect is any player whose rights are owned by a professional team, but who has yet to play a game for the team, or isn't established with the team yet. Prospects can sometimes be assigned to farm teams...
Max Pacioretty
Max Pacioretty
Max Pacioretty is an American professional ice hockey player currently playing for the Montreal Canadiens of the National Hockey League . He was called up from the American Hockey League for the second time on December 12, 2010...
, Yannick Weber
Yannick Weber
Yannick Weber is a Swiss professional ice hockey forward/defenceman currently playing for the Montreal Canadiens of the National Hockey League . He was drafted by the Canadiens in the 3rd round of the 2007 NHL Entry Draft, and is the first player in franchise history to wear jersey No...
, and Ben Maxwell
Ben Maxwell
Benjamin Maxwell is a Canadian professional ice hockey centre with the Anaheim Ducks of the National Hockey League.-Playing career:...
.
Centennial year celebrations
The team has announced its intention to retire two uniform numbersSquad number
In team sports, the squad number, shirt number, jersey number, sweater number, uniform number or simply a number is the number worn on a player's uniform, to identify and distinguish each player from others wearing the same or similar uniforms...
during the 2008–09 season. As of March 2009, the only confirmed number is Patrick Roy
Patrick Roy
Patrick Edward Armand Roy is a former Canadian ice hockey goaltender. Nicknamed "Saint Patrick," Roy split his professional career between the Montreal Canadiens, whom he played with for 10 years, and the Colorado Avalanche, whom he played with for 8 years, both of the National Hockey League...
's number 33, which was retired on November 22, 2008.
In celebration of the Montreal Canadiens' centennial, the 2009 NHL All-Star Game
57th National Hockey League All-Star Game
The 57th National Hockey League All-Star Game was held at the Bell Centre in Montreal, Quebec, Canada, home of the Montreal Canadiens, in conjunction with the Montreal Canadiens centennial celebrations. The game was held between two teams, each representing a conference of the National Hockey League...
was held in Montreal on January 25, 2009 and the 2009 NHL Entry Draft
2009 NHL Entry Draft
The 2009 NHL Entry Draft was the 47th Entry Draft. It was held on June 26–27, 2009 at the Bell Centre in Montreal, Quebec. The Draft was part of the Montreal Canadiens centennial celebrations. National Hockey League teams took turns selecting amateur ice hockey players from junior, collegiate, or...
, 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 SabresBuffalo Sabres
The Buffalo Sabres are a professional ice hockey team based in Buffalo, New York. They are members of the Northeast Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League .-Founding and early success: 1970-71—1980-81:...
, at the HSBC Arena.
Montreal lost the opening game of the season in shootout
Penalty shootout
The shootout is a method of determining a winner in sports matches that would have otherwise been drawn or tied. The rules for penalty shootouts vary between sports and even different competitions; however, the usual form is similar to penalty shots in that a single player takes one shot on goal...
, but subsequently won 6-1 against the Toronto Maple Leafs
Toronto Maple Leafs
The Toronto Maple Leafs are a professional ice hockey team based in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. They are members of the Northeast Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League...
on October 11 and 5-3 against the Philadelphia Flyers
Philadelphia Flyers
The Philadelphia Flyers are a professional ice hockey team based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. They are members of the Atlantic Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League...
on October 13.
The team returned to Montreal after four days on the road and a 2–0–1 record. The Montreal Canadiens hosted the Boston Bruins
Boston Bruins
The Boston Bruins are a professional ice hockey team based in Boston, Massachusetts, USA. They are members of the Northeast Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League . The team has been in existence since 1924, and is the league's third-oldest team and its oldest in the...
for their 100th home opening game and won 4-3 in shootout, with Alex Tanguay
Alex Tanguay
Alexandre Tanguay is a Canadian professional ice hockey winger currently with the Calgary Flames of the National Hockey League . He has additionally played with the Colorado Avalanche, Montreal Canadiens and Tampa Bay Lightning in the NHL and briefly for HC Lugano in the Swiss National League A in...
scoring the winning goal.
On October 18, Saku Koivu
Saku Koivu
Saku Antero Koivu is a Finnish professional ice hockey player and an alternate captain of the Anaheim Ducks of the National Hockey League . He began his NHL career with the Montreal Canadiens in 1995–96 after three seasons with TPS of the Finnish SM-liiga...
achieved his 422nd assist with the Montreal Canadiens and surpassed Maurice "the Rocket" Richard
Maurice Richard
Joseph Henri Maurice "the Rocket" Richard, Sr., was a French-Canadian professional ice hockey player who played for the Montreal Canadiens of the National Hockey League from 1942 to 1960. The "Rocket" was the most prolific goal-scorer of his era, the first to achieve the feat of 50 goals in 50...
at rank number 7 for all-time assists in franchise history. Two days later, he got his 600th NHL career point when the Canadiens defeated the Florida Panthers
Florida Panthers
The Florida Panthers are a professional ice hockey team based in Sunrise, Florida, in the Miami metropolitan area. They are members of the Southeast Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League . They play their games at the BankAtlantic Center in Sunrise and are the...
3-1.
According to a Forbes
Forbes
Forbes is an American publishing and media company. Its flagship publication, the Forbes magazine, is published biweekly. Its primary competitors in the national business magazine category are Fortune, which is also published biweekly, and Business Week...
report published in late October 2008, the franchise ranks as the 3rd most valuable in the league at US$334 million, making an 18% increase in the past season. The Toronto Maple Leafs and Detroit Red Wings
Detroit Red Wings
The Detroit Red Wings are a professional ice hockey team based in Detroit, Michigan. They are members of the Central Division of the Western Conference of the National Hockey League , and are one of the Original Six teams of the NHL, along with the Toronto Maple Leafs, Montreal Canadiens, New York...
were respectively ranked 1st and 2nd in the report. The Canadiens finished October with a 7–1–1 record in Minnesota
Minnesota Wild
The Minnesota Wild are a professional ice hockey team based in St. Paul, Minnesota, United States. They are members of the Northwest Division of the Western Conference of the National Hockey League ....
and concluded the month with two consecutive road wins and a perfect overall road record.
November
On November 1, against the New York IslandersNew York Islanders
The New York Islanders are a professional ice hockey team based in Uniondale, New York. They are members of the Atlantic Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League...
, Andrei Markov became the second defenceman
Defenceman (ice hockey)
Defence in ice hockey is a player position whose primary responsibility is to prevent the opposing team from scoring...
in franchise history, after Guy Lapointe
Guy Lapointe
Guy Gerard "Pointu" Lapointe is a retired Canadian professional ice hockey defenceman who played for the Montreal Canadiens, St. Louis Blues and Boston Bruins in the National Hockey League...
, to get 5 points in his first 5 road games of the season. On November 10, the league announced that forward Tom Kostopoulos
Tom Kostopoulos
Thomas Kostopoulos is a Canadian professional ice hockey player currently playing for the Calgary Flames of the National Hockey League . Kostopoulos previously played with the Carolina Hurricanes, Montreal Canadiens, Los Angeles Kings, and Pittsburgh Penguins...
was suspended for three games after hitting Toronto Maple Leafs defenceman Mike Van Ryn
Mike Van Ryn
Michael Van Ryn is a former professional ice hockey defenceman. He attended Sir Fredrick Banting Secondary School in London, Ontario. He played for the St. Louis Blues, Florida Panthers, and Toronto Maple Leafs of the National Hockey League...
from behind.
On November 11, Christopher Higgins
Christopher Higgins
Christopher Higgins is an American professional ice hockey winger with the Vancouver Canucks of the National Hockey League . While playing college hockey, he was selected 14th overall by the Montreal Canadiens in the first round of the 2002 NHL Entry Draft...
got his first NHL career hat-trick
Hat-trick
A hat-trick or hat trick in sport is the achievement of a positive feat three times during a game, or other achievements based on threes. The term was first used in 1858 in cricket to describe HH Stephenson's feat of taking three wickets in three balls. A collection was held for Stephenson, and he...
in a 4-0 win against the Ottawa Senators
Ottawa Senators
The Ottawa Senators are a professional ice hockey team based in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. They are members of the Northeast Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League...
.
On November 22, the jersey number 33 of legendary goaltender
Goaltender
In ice hockey, the goaltender is the player who defends his team's goal net by stopping shots of the puck from entering his team's net, thus preventing the opposing team from scoring...
Patrick Roy was retired.
On November 24, against the New York Islanders, Ryan O'Byrne
Ryan O'Byrne
Ryan David O'Byrne is a Canadian professional ice hockey player currently playing for the Colorado Avalanche of the National Hockey League .-Amateur:...
scored on his own net during a delayed penalty call, where Carey Price
Carey Price
Carey Price is a Canadian professional ice hockey goaltender currently playing for the Montreal Canadiens of the National Hockey League . Price was the Canadiens' first round selection in the 2005 NHL Entry Draft...
was pulled off for an extra attacker. On November 29, Mike Komisarek
Mike Komisarek
Michael Komisarek is an American professional ice hockey defenseman and an alternate captain of the Toronto Maple Leafs of the National Hockey League .- Amateur years :...
—who was not playing due to injury—temporarily took a place behind the bench as an assistant coach, in replacement of Doug Jarvis
Doug Jarvis
Douglas M. Jarvis is a former Canadian professional ice hockey forward who played for the Montreal Canadiens, Washington Capitals and Hartford Whalers in the National Hockey League. He currently serves as an assistant coach for the Boston Bruins of the National Hockey League.-Playing career:Doug...
, who was at his father's bedside.
Rookie right winger Matt D'Agostini
Matt D'Agostini
Matthew D'Agostini is a Canadian professional ice hockey right winger currently playing for the St. Louis Blues of the National Hockey League...
was recalled from Hamilton Bulldogs
Hamilton Bulldogs
The Hamilton Bulldogs are a professional ice hockey team in the American Hockey League. They play in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada, at Copps Coliseum, nicknamed 'The Dog Pound'. They are the AHL affiliate of the NHL's Montreal Canadiens...
of the American Hockey League
American Hockey League
The American Hockey League is a 30-team professional ice hockey league based in the United States and Canada that serves as the primary developmental circuit for the National Hockey League...
and Roman Hamrlik
Roman Hamrlík
Roman Hamrlík is a Czech professional ice hockey defenceman currently playing for the Washington Capitals of the National Hockey League .- Playing career :...
got his 400th NHL career assist in a 3-2 win over the Buffalo Sabres.
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 ThrashersAtlanta Thrashers
The Atlanta Thrashers were a professional ice hockey team based in Atlanta, Georgia, United States. Atlanta was granted a franchise in the National Hockey League on June 25, 1997, and became the league's 28th franchise when it began play in the 1999–2000 NHL season...
. He tied Mats Naslund
Mats Näslund
Mats Näslund , nicknamed "Le Petit Viking", is a retired Swedish ice hockey player. He played as a left wing.-NHL career:...
at rank number 11 for all-time points in franchise history. Koivu then surpassed Naslund on December 6 after recording an assist in a 2-1 overtime
Overtime (sports)
Overtime or extra time is an additional period of play specified under the rules of a sport to bring a game to a decision and avoid declaring the match a tie or draw. In most sports, this extra period is only played if the game is required to have a clear winner, as in single-elimination...
loss over the New Jersey Devils
New Jersey Devils
The New Jersey Devils are a professional ice hockey team based in Newark, New Jersey, United States. They are members of the Atlantic Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League...
. Matt D'Agostini
Matt D'Agostini
Matthew D'Agostini is a Canadian professional ice hockey right winger currently playing for the St. Louis Blues of the National Hockey League...
scored his first NHL career goal and point and Roman Hamrlik played his 100th game with the club.
The Montreal Canadiens celebrated the 99th anniversary of the franchise on December 4 with a 6-2 win over the New York Rangers
New York Rangers
The New York Rangers are a professional ice hockey team based in the borough of Manhattan in New York, New York, USA. They are members of the Atlantic Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League . Playing their home games at Madison Square Garden, the Rangers are one of the...
. Matt D'Agostini got his first NHL assist in a 2-points performance. Georges Laraque
Georges Laraque
Georges Laraque is a retired Canadian professional ice hockey forward, who last played with the Montreal Canadiens before his contract was bought out in 2010. He is also a host for CFRN and deputy leader of the Green Party of Canada. During his NHL career he played for the Edmonton Oilers,...
got his first two points with his new team.
D'Agostini had a successful debut with the team, recording 6 goals and 2 assists in his first eleven games.
On December 13, Ben Maxwell
Ben Maxwell
Benjamin Maxwell is a Canadian professional ice hockey centre with the Anaheim Ducks of the National Hockey League.-Playing career:...
played his first game in the NHL against the Washington Capitals
Washington Capitals
The Washington Capitals are a professional ice hockey team based in Washington, D.C. They are members of the Southeast Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League . Since their founding in 1974, "The Caps" have won one conference championship to reach the 1998 Stanley Cup...
after Saku Koivu was placed on the injured reserve list. On December 18 against the Philadelphia Flyers, Alex 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
Pittsburgh Penguins
The Pittsburgh Penguins are a professional ice hockey team based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. They are members of the Atlantic Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League . The franchise was founded in 1967 as one of the first expansion teams during the league's original...
. The Montreal Canadiens enjoyed their 3000th franchise victory, with a 5-2 win over the Florida Panthers at Sunrise
Sunrise, Florida
-Overview:Sunrise is a city in southwestern Broward County, Florida, United States. It was incorporated in 1961 by Norman Johnson – a developer whose World Famous Upside-Down House attracted buyers to what was then a remote area...
on December 29, solidifying their place as the most successful team in NHL history
History of the National Hockey League
The history of the National Hockey League begins with the end of its predecessor league, the National Hockey Association , in 1917. After unsuccessfully resolving disputes with Eddie Livingstone, owner of the Toronto Blueshirts, executives of the three other NHA franchises suspended the NHA, and...
. Andrei Kostitsyn
Andrei Kostitsyn
Andrej Aliehavič Kaścicyn , better known as Andrei Kostitsyn, is a Belarusian professional ice hockey forward currently playing for the Montreal Canadiens of the National Hockey League . The media have nicknamed him AK-46, a play on his initials and player number in reference to the Soviet AK-47...
and Maxim Lapierre
Maxim Lapierre
Maxim Lapierre is a Canadian professional ice hockey forward currently playing for the Vancouver Canucks of the National Hockey League . Drafted out of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League , he was selected 61st overall in 2003 by the Montreal Canadiens...
scored their first career hat-trick
Hat-trick
A hat-trick or hat trick in sport is the achievement of a positive feat three times during a game, or other achievements based on threes. The term was first used in 1858 in cricket to describe HH Stephenson's feat of taking three wickets in three balls. A collection was held for Stephenson, and he...
s during this road trip.
January
General manager Bob GaineyBob Gainey
Robert Michael "Le Capitaine" Gainey is the former executive vice president and general manager of the Montreal Canadiens of the National Hockey League . He is also a former professional ice hockey player who played for the Canadiens from 1973 until 1989...
presented his mid-season report on January 13. He stated that he was looking to improve the team's power play
Power play (sport)
"Power play" is a sporting term used in various games.*In ice hockey, a team is said to be on a power play when at least one opposing player is serving a penalty, and the team has a numerical advantage on the ice...
, 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
Guy Carbonneau
Guy Carbonneau is a Canadian retired professional ice hockey player in the National Hockey League. He is also the president of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League 's Chicoutimi Saguenéens. He has two daughters Anne-Marie and Kristina, with wife Line Carbonneau. Anne-Marie married his former...
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, Alex 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 1st star
Three stars (ice hockey)
In ice hockey, the three stars of a match are the three best players as chosen by a third party, with the first star considered the best of the three players, akin to the man of the match in other sports. Usually, the top point scorers or outstanding goaltenders are designated the three stars, but...
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
Sergei Kostitsyn
Siarhiej Aliehavič Kaścicyn , better known as Sergei Kostitsyn, is a Belarusian professional ice hockey winger currently playing for the Nashville Predators of the National Hockey League...
were involved with a person believed to be part of an organized crime
Organized crime
Organized crime or criminal organizations are transnational, national, or local groupings of highly centralized enterprises run by criminals for the purpose of engaging in illegal activity, most commonly for monetary profit. Some criminal organizations, such as terrorist organizations, are...
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
Steve Bégin
Stéphan Bégin ; born June 14, 1978) is a Canadian professional ice hockey centre who most recently played for the Nashville Predators.-Playing career:...
to the Dallas Stars for Doug Janik
Doug Janik
Douglas J. Janik is a professional ice hockey defenseman who is currently a member of the National Hockey League's Detroit Red Wings organization.-Playing career:...
, 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 10th all-time leading scorer in Canadiens history, surpassing Elmer Lach
Elmer Lach
Elmer James Lach is a retired Canadian professional ice hockey centre who played 14 seasons for the Montreal Canadiens in the National Hockey League. He was part of the Punch line, along with Maurice Richard and Toe Blake. He led the league in scoring twice, and was awarded the Hart Memorial...
.
The Canadiens claimed Glen Metropolit
Glen Metropolit
Glen Metropolit is a Canadian professional ice hockey centre currently playing for EV Zug in the Swiss National League A.-Early years:...
off waiver
Waiver
A waiver is the voluntary relinquishment or surrender of some known right or privilege.While a waiver is often in writing, sometimes a person's actions can act as a waiver. An example of a written waiver is a disclaimer, which becomes a waiver when accepted...
s from the Philadelphia Flyers on February 27. Metropolit was practicing with the Flyers earlier in the day when Flyers general manager Paul Holmgren
Paul Holmgren
Paul Howard Holmgren is an American former professional ice hockey right winger who played 10 seasons in the National Hockey League for the Philadelphia Flyers and Minnesota North Stars. He moved into coaching after his playing career, serving as head coach of the Flyers and Hartford Whalers...
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 deadlineNHL trade deadline
The National Hockey League's trade deadline is a date set by the NHL league office after which no trades are allowed for the remainder of the season. The deadline for the 2011–12 NHL season is set for February 27, 2012 at 3 pm EST. Prior to the current CBA, the trade deadline date had been in...
, 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 9 March, Gainey announced that he was replacing Guy Carbonneau as head coach until the end of the season. Don Lever
Don Lever
Donald Richard "Cleaver" Lever is the head coach of the Chicago Wolves of the American Hockey League and a retired Canadian professional ice hockey left winger who played 15 seasons in the National Hockey League from 1972–73 until 1986–87.-Playing career:Lever was drafted 3rd overall by the...
was named assistant-coach.
Patrice Brisebois
Patrice Brisebois
Patrice Brisebois is a retired Canadian professional ice hockey defenceman and currently a racing driver.-NHL playing career:Brisebois was drafted by the Montreal Canadiens in the second round, 30th overall, of the 1989 NHL Entry Draft...
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
Martin Brodeur
Martin Pierre Brodeur is a French-Canadian ice hockey goaltender who has played his entire National Hockey League career with the New Jersey Devils. In his 19-year tenure with the Devils, he has won three Stanley Cup championships and has been in the playoffs every year but two...
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 1st star of the game and received a standing ovation from his home province crowd.
Alex Tanguay had a season high of 5 points (2 goals, 3 assists) on March 24 in a 6-3 win against the Atlanta Thrashers at the Bell Centre.
Alex 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
Chicago Blackhawks
The Chicago Blackhawks are a professional ice hockey team based in Chicago, Illinois. They are members of the Central Division of the Western Conference of the National Hockey League . They have won four Stanley Cup championships since their founding in 1926, most recently coming in 2009-10...
on March 31.
Game log
| 2008–09 Game log | |
|---|---|
| Schedule | |
Playoffs
The Montreal Canadiens clinched a playoff spot following a 5–4 OT loss against the Boston BruinsBoston Bruins
The Boston Bruins are a professional ice hockey team based in Boston, Massachusetts, USA. They are members of the Northeast Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League . The team has been in existence since 1924, and is the league's third-oldest team and its oldest in the...
on April 9, 2008, their 81st game of the season.
Eastern Conference Quarter-finals: vs. (1) Boston Bruins
The Montreal Canadiens earned the #8 seed in the Eastern Conference by finishing with 93 points in the conference. With key players missing such as Andrei Markov, Mathieu SchneiderMathieu Schneider
Mathieu Schneider is a American former professional ice hockey player. Considered an offensive defenseman, Schneider played 1289 games in the National Hockey League with ten different teams, scoring 233 goals and totalling 743 points...
, Alex Tanguay
Alex Tanguay
Alexandre Tanguay is a Canadian professional ice hockey winger currently with the Calgary Flames of the National Hockey League . He has additionally played with the Colorado Avalanche, Montreal Canadiens and Tampa Bay Lightning in the NHL and briefly for HC Lugano in the Swiss National League A in...
and Carey Price(who was struggling), they were swept in four games.
2009 Stanley Cup playoffs – Eastern Conference Quarter-finals vs. (1) Boston Bruins
|
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* Player scoring winning goal is shown in italics.
Skaters
Note: GP = Games played; G = Goals; A = Assists; Pts = Points; +/− = Plus/Minus; PIM = Penalty Minutes| Regular season | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ss="wikitable sortable" width="100%"> | ||||||
| Player | GP | G | A | Pts | +/− | PIM |
| 78 | 26 | 39 | 65 | -5 | 74 | |
| 78 | 12 | 52 | 64 | -2 | 36 | |
| 65 | 16 | 34 | 50 | 4 | 44 | |
| 74 | 23 | 18 | 41 | -7 | 50 | |
| 50 | 16 | 25 | 41 | 13 | 34 | |
| 76 | 20 | 19 | 39 | -7 | 54 | |
| 50 | 18 | 21 | 39 | 6 | 36 | |
| 81 | 6 | 27 | 33 | 4 | 62 | |
| 79 | 15 | 13 | 28 | 9 | 76 | |
| 56 | 14 | 12 | 26 | 4 | 45 | |
| 57 | 12 | 11 | 23 | -1 | 22 | |
| 56 | 8 | 15 | 23 | -3 | 64 | |
| 81 | 4 | 19 | 23 | 12 | 37 | |
| 78 | 8 | 14 | 22 | -1 | 106 | |
| 53 | 12 | 9 | 21 | -17 | 16 | |
| 62 | 5 | 13 | 18 | -3 | 19 | |
| † | 24 | 5 | 12 | 17 | -2 | 14 |
| 41 | 4 | 8 | 12 | 7 | 17 | |
| 34 | 3 | 8 | 11 | -3 | 27 | |
| 66 | 2 | 9 | 11 | 0 | 121 | |
| ‡ | 42 | 6 | 4 | 10 | -5 | 27 |
| 54 | 5 | 4 | 9 | -7 | 53 | |
| 37 | 0 | 5 | 5 | -7 | 58 | |
| 13 | 0 | 3 | 3 | -6 | 5 | |
| † | 18 | 2 | 1 | 3 | -4 | 13 |
| 33 | 0 | 2 | 2 | -6 | 61 | |
| 3 | 0 | 1 | 1 | -1 | 2 | |
| 20 | 0 | 1 | 1 | -4 | 32 | |
| 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | -2 | 10 | |
| 7 | 0 | 0 | 0 | -1 | 2 |
| Playoffs | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ss="wikitable sortable" width="100%"> | ||||||
| Player | GP | G | A | Pts | +/− | PIM |
| 4 | 2 | 1 | 3 | 0 | 2 | |
| 4 | 0 | 3 | 3 | -1 | 2 | |
| 4 | 2 | 0 | 2 | -1 | 2 | |
| 3 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 0 | |
| 4 | 0 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 2 | |
| 4 | 1 | 0 | 1 | -2 | 2 | |
| 4 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 7 | |
| 2 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 2 | |
| 4 | 0 | 1 | 1 | -1 | 4 | |
| 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 | -1 | 4 | |
| 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | -1 | 2 | |
| 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 | -2 | 12 | |
| 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 | -2 | 0 | |
| 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 | -3 | 26 | |
| 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | -3 | 2 | |
| 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 | -4 | 20 | |
| 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | -5 | 4 | |
| 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 | -5 | 2 | |
| 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | -5 | 0 | |
| 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | -1 | 0 | |
| 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | -2 | 4 | |
| 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | |
| 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
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 | |||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ss="wikitable sortable" width="100%"> | |||||||||||||
| Player | GP | TOI | W | L | OT | GA | GAA | SA | Sv% | SO | G | A | PIM |
| 45 | 2630 | 26 | 13 | 5 | 105 | 2.40 | 1386 | .924 | 5 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
| 41 | 2358 | 13 | 20 | 5 | 109 | 2.77 | 1244 | .912 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 8 |
| Playoffs | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ss="wikitable sortable" width="100%"> | |||||||||
| Player | GP | TOI | W | L | GA | GAA | SA | Sv% | SO |
| 4 | 219 | 0 | 4 | 15 | 4.11 | 123 | 0.878 | 0 | |
| 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.
Player roster
|}
Staff
| Montreal Canadiens staff | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Executive operations
|
Hockey operations
|
|||||
Ambassadors
- Jean BeliveauJean BéliveauJean Arthur "Le Gros Bill" Béliveau, is a former professional ice hockey player who played parts of 20 seasons with the National Hockey League's Montreal Canadiens. As a player, he won the Stanley Cup 10 times, and as an executive he was part of another seven championship teams, the most Stanley...
- Guy LafleurGuy LafleurGuy Damien "The Flower" / "Le Démon Blond" Lafleur, OC, CQ is a former Canadian professional ice hockey player who is widely regarded as one of the most naturally gifted and popular players ever to play professional ice hockey...
- Yvan CournoyerYvan CournoyerYvan Serge "The Roadrunner" Cournoyer is a retired Canadian hockey right winger who played in the National Hockey League for the Montreal Canadiens from 1963 to 1979. Cournoyer was born in Drummondville, Quebec. He was nicknamed "The Roadrunner" due to his small size and blazing speed, which he...
- Rejean HouleRéjean HouleRéjean Houle is a retired Canadian ice hockey forward, most notably for the Montreal Canadiens of the National Hockey League, for whom he also served a controversial stint as general manager.-Playing career:...
- Henri RichardHenri RichardJoseph Henri Richard is a former professional ice hockey player who played centre with the Montreal Canadiens in the National Hockey League from 1955 to 1975...
Team awards
On April 11, following the final home game against the Pittsburgh PenguinsPittsburgh Penguins
The Pittsburgh Penguins are a professional ice hockey team based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. They are members of the Atlantic Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League . The franchise was founded in 1967 as one of the first expansion teams during the league's original...
, the team announced its award winners for the season.
| Player | Award | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Carey Price Carey Price Carey Price is a Canadian professional ice hockey goaltender currently playing for the Montreal Canadiens of the National Hockey League . Price was the Canadiens' first round selection in the 2005 NHL Entry Draft... |
Molson Cup Molson Cup The Molson Cup is an award presented to a distinguished player on Canadian ice hockey teams. After each game, the "three game stars" are selected, usually by a member of the media. At the end of the season, the player with the most three-star honours is presented with the Molson Cup... |
Awarded to the Most Valuable Player (MVP) and with the most "three stars" recognitions. |
| Patrice Brisebois Patrice Brisebois Patrice Brisebois is a retired Canadian professional ice hockey defenceman and currently a racing driver.-NHL playing career:Brisebois was drafted by the Montreal Canadiens in the second round, 30th overall, of the 1989 NHL Entry Draft... |
Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy The Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy is awarded annually to the National Hockey League player who best exemplifies the qualities of perseverance, sportsmanship, and dedication to ice hockey. The winner is selected by a poll of the Professional Hockey Writers' Association after each team nominates one... 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. |
Elected on Starting lineup
- Alex Kovalev (RW) (Captain/Eastern Conference All-Star Team, All-Star Game MVP)
- Mike KomisarekMike KomisarekMichael Komisarek is an American professional ice hockey defenseman and an alternate captain of the Toronto Maple Leafs of the National Hockey League .- Amateur years :...
(D) - Andrei Markov (D)
- Carey PriceCarey PriceCarey Price is a Canadian professional ice hockey goaltender currently playing for the Montreal Canadiens of the National Hockey League . Price was the Canadiens' first round selection in the 2005 NHL Entry Draft...
(G)
Milestones
| Regular season | ||
| Player | Milestone | Reached |
| Alex Kovalev | 200th point with the Montreal Canadiens | October 12, 2008 |
| Mike Komisarek Mike Komisarek Michael Komisarek is an American professional ice hockey defenseman and an alternate captain of the Toronto Maple Leafs of the National Hockey League .- Amateur years :... |
300th NHL career game | October 18, 2008 |
| Saku Koivu Saku Koivu Saku Antero Koivu is a Finnish professional ice hockey player and an alternate captain of the Anaheim Ducks of the National Hockey League . He began his NHL career with the Montreal Canadiens in 1995–96 after three seasons with TPS of the Finnish SM-liiga... |
422nd assist with the Montreal Canadiens 7th all-time in franchise history |
October 18, 2008 |
| Saku Koivu Saku Koivu Saku Antero Koivu is a Finnish professional ice hockey player and an alternate captain of the Anaheim Ducks of the National Hockey League . He began his NHL career with the Montreal Canadiens in 1995–96 after three seasons with TPS of the Finnish SM-liiga... |
600th NHL career point | October 20, 2008 |
| Andrei Markov | 500th NHL career game | October 25, 2008 |
| Josh Gorges Josh Gorges Josh Gorges is a professional ice hockey player currently playing for the Montreal Canadiens of the National Hockey League. He is of German ancestry as his grandparents immigrated from Germany to Canada.-Playing career:... |
1st goal with the Montreal Canadiens | November 24, 2008 |
| Roman Hamrlik Roman Hamrlík Roman Hamrlík is a Czech professional ice hockey defenceman currently playing for the Washington Capitals of the National Hockey League .- Playing career :... |
400th NHL career assist | November 29, 2008 |
| Matt D'Agostini Matt D'Agostini Matthew D'Agostini is a Canadian professional ice hockey right winger currently playing for the St. Louis Blues of the National Hockey League... |
1 NHL career goal 1st NHL career point |
December 2, 2008 |
| Roman Hamrlik Roman Hamrlík Roman Hamrlík is a Czech professional ice hockey defenceman currently playing for the Washington Capitals of the National Hockey League .- Playing career :... |
100th NHL game with the Montreal Canadiens | December 2, 2008 |
| Saku Koivu Saku Koivu Saku Antero Koivu is a Finnish professional ice hockey player and an alternate captain of the Anaheim Ducks of the National Hockey League . He began his NHL career with the Montreal Canadiens in 1995–96 after three seasons with TPS of the Finnish SM-liiga... |
612th point with the Montreal Canadiens T-11th all-time in franchise history |
December 2, 2008 |
| Roman Hamrlik Roman Hamrlík Roman Hamrlík is a Czech professional ice hockey defenceman currently playing for the Washington Capitals of the National Hockey League .- Playing career :... |
1100th NHL career game | December 4, 2008 |
| Matt D'Agostini Matt D'Agostini Matthew D'Agostini is a Canadian professional ice hockey right winger currently playing for the St. Louis Blues of the National Hockey League... |
1st NHL career assist | December 4, 2008 |
| Saku Koivu Saku Koivu Saku Antero Koivu is a Finnish professional ice hockey player and an alternate captain of the Anaheim Ducks of the National Hockey League . He began his NHL career with the Montreal Canadiens in 1995–96 after three seasons with TPS of the Finnish SM-liiga... |
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 Ben Maxwell Benjamin Maxwell is a Canadian professional ice hockey centre with the Anaheim Ducks of the National Hockey League.-Playing career:... |
1st NHL career game | December 13, 2008 |
| Alex Kovalev | 900th NHL career point | December 18, 2008 |
| Andrei Kostitsyn Andrei Kostitsyn Andrej Aliehavič Kaścicyn , better known as Andrei Kostitsyn, is a Belarusian professional ice hockey forward currently playing for the Montreal Canadiens of the National Hockey League . The media have nicknamed him AK-46, a play on his initials and player number in reference to the Soviet AK-47... |
1st NHL career hat-trick | December 27, 2008 |
| Maxime Lapierre | 1st NHL career hat-trick | December 29, 2008 |
| Max Pacioretty Max Pacioretty Max Pacioretty is an American professional ice hockey player currently playing for the Montreal Canadiens of the National Hockey League . He was called up from the American Hockey League for the second time on December 12, 2010... |
1st NHL career game 1st NHL career goal 1st NHL career point |
January 2, 2009 |
| Marc Denis Marc Denis Marc Denis is a former Canadian professional ice hockey goaltender, who last played with the Montreal Canadiens of the National Hockey League . For the 2009–10 season, he has been hired as the goaltenders' coach of the Chicoutimi Sagueneens, a Quebec Major Junior Hockey League team... |
1st game with the Montreal Canadiens | January 2, 2009 |
| Max Pacioretty Max Pacioretty Max Pacioretty is an American professional ice hockey player currently playing for the Montreal Canadiens of the National Hockey League . He was called up from the American Hockey League for the second time on December 12, 2010... |
1st NHL career assist | January 7, 2009 |
| Robert Lang | 2nd NHL career hat-trick | January 7, 2009 |
| Yannick Weber Yannick Weber Yannick Weber is a Swiss professional ice hockey forward/defenceman currently playing for the Montreal Canadiens of the National Hockey League . He was drafted by the Canadiens in the 3rd round of the 2007 NHL Entry Draft, and is the first player in franchise history to wear jersey No... |
1st NHL career game | January 8, 2009 |
| Patrice Brisebois Patrice Brisebois Patrice Brisebois is a retired Canadian professional ice hockey defenceman and currently a racing driver.-NHL playing career:Brisebois was drafted by the Montreal Canadiens in the second round, 30th overall, of the 1989 NHL Entry Draft... |
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 Alex Henry Alex Henry is a Canadian professional ice hockey defenceman who currently plays for the Hamilton Bulldogs in the American Hockey League.-Playing career:... |
1st game with the Montreal Canadiens | February 1, 2009 |
| Mathieu Schneider Mathieu Schneider Mathieu Schneider is a American former professional ice hockey player. Considered an offensive defenseman, Schneider played 1289 games in the National Hockey League with ten different teams, scoring 233 goals and totalling 743 points... |
1st game with the Montreal Canadiens (since returning to the team) 200th point with the Montreal Canadiens |
February 18, 2009 |
| Saku Koivu Saku Koivu Saku Antero Koivu is a Finnish professional ice hockey player and an alternate captain of the Anaheim Ducks of the National Hockey League . He began his NHL career with the Montreal Canadiens in 1995–96 after three seasons with TPS of the Finnish SM-liiga... |
623rd point with the Montreal Canadiens T-10th all-time in franchise history |
February 24, 2009 |
| Saku Koivu Saku Koivu Saku Antero Koivu is a Finnish professional ice hockey player and an alternate captain of the Anaheim Ducks of the National Hockey League . He began his NHL career with the Montreal Canadiens in 1995–96 after three seasons with TPS of the Finnish SM-liiga... |
624th point with the Montreal Canadiens 10th all-time in franchise history |
February 27, 2009 |
| Glen Metropolit Glen Metropolit Glen Metropolit is a Canadian professional ice hockey centre currently playing for EV Zug in the Swiss National League A.-Early years:... |
1st game with the Montreal Canadiens | February 27, 2009 |
| Patrice Brisebois Patrice Brisebois Patrice Brisebois is a retired Canadian professional ice hockey defenceman and currently a racing driver.-NHL playing career:Brisebois was drafted by the Montreal Canadiens in the second round, 30th overall, of the 1989 NHL Entry Draft... |
1000th game in the NHL | March 14, 2009 |
| Alex Kovalev | 100th goal with Montreal Canadiens | March 31, 2009 |
| Yannick Weber Yannick Weber Yannick Weber is a Swiss professional ice hockey forward/defenceman currently playing for the Montreal Canadiens of the National Hockey League . He was drafted by the Canadiens in the 3rd round of the 2007 NHL Entry Draft, and is the first player in franchise history to wear jersey No... |
1st NHL career assist 1st NHL career point |
April 9, 2009 |
| Yannick Weber Yannick Weber Yannick Weber is a Swiss professional ice hockey forward/defenceman currently playing for the Montreal Canadiens of the National Hockey League . He was drafted by the Canadiens in the 3rd round of the 2007 NHL Entry Draft, and is the first player in franchise history to wear jersey No... |
1st NHL career goal 1st NHL career playoff point |
April 20, 2009 |
Transactions
The Canadiens have been involved in the following transactions2008–09 NHL transactions
The following is a list of all team-to-team transactions that have occurred in the National Hockey League during the 2008–09 NHL season. It lists what team each player has been traded to, signed by, or claimed by, and for which players or draft picks, if applicable.-Free agency:Note: This does not...
during the 2008–09 season.
Trades
| June 20, 2008 |
To Montreal Canadiens Montreal Canadiens The Montreal Canadiens are a professional ice hockey team based in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. They are members of the Northeast Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League . The club is officially known as ... Alex Tanguay Alex Tanguay Alexandre Tanguay is a Canadian professional ice hockey winger currently with the Calgary Flames of the National Hockey League . He has additionally played with the Colorado Avalanche, Montreal Canadiens and Tampa Bay Lightning in the NHL and briefly for HC Lugano in the Swiss National League A in... 5th round pick in 2008 2008 NHL Entry Draft The 2008 NHL Entry Draft was the 46th NHL Entry Draft. It was hosted by the Ottawa Senators at Scotiabank Place in the city of Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, on June 20–21, 2008... |
To Calgary Flames Calgary Flames The Calgary Flames are a professional ice hockey team based in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. They are members of the Northwest Division of the Western Conference of the National Hockey League . The club is the third major-professional ice hockey team to represent the city of Calgary, following the... 25th overall pick in 2008 2008 NHL Entry Draft The 2008 NHL Entry Draft was the 46th NHL Entry Draft. It was hosted by the Ottawa Senators at Scotiabank Place in the city of Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, on June 20–21, 2008... 2nd round pick in 2009 2009 NHL Entry Draft The 2009 NHL Entry Draft was the 47th Entry Draft. It was held on June 26–27, 2009 at the Bell Centre in Montreal, Quebec. The Draft was part of the Montreal Canadiens centennial celebrations. National Hockey League teams took turns selecting amateur ice hockey players from junior, collegiate, or... |
| September 12, 2008 |
To Montreal Canadiens Montreal Canadiens The Montreal Canadiens are a professional ice hockey team based in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. They are members of the Northeast Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League . The club is officially known as ... Robert Lang |
To Chicago Blackhawks Chicago Blackhawks The Chicago Blackhawks are a professional ice hockey team based in Chicago, Illinois. They are members of the Central Division of the Western Conference of the National Hockey League . They have won four Stanley Cup championships since their founding in 1926, most recently coming in 2009-10... 2nd round pick in 2010 2010 NHL Entry Draft The 2010 NHL Entry Draft was the 48th NHL Entry Draft, held on June 25–26, 2010 at the Staples Center in Los Angeles, California, home arena of the Los Angeles Kings. This was the first time Los Angeles hosted the NHL Entry Draft. An unofficial record of 11 American-trained players were selected in... |
| January 5, 2009 |
To Montreal Canadiens Montreal Canadiens The Montreal Canadiens are a professional ice hockey team based in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. They are members of the Northeast Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League . The club is officially known as ... T.J. Kemp |
To Pittsburgh Penguins Pittsburgh Penguins The Pittsburgh Penguins are a professional ice hockey team based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. They are members of the Atlantic Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League . The franchise was founded in 1967 as one of the first expansion teams during the league's original... Conditional 2010 seventh round draft pick |
| February 16, 2009 2008–09 NHL season The 2008–09 NHL season was the 92nd season of operation of the National Hockey League . It was the first season since prior to the 2004–05 lockout in which every team played each other at least once during the season, following three seasons where teams only played against two divisions in the... |
To Montreal Canadiens Montreal Canadiens The Montreal Canadiens are a professional ice hockey team based in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. They are members of the Northeast Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League . The club is officially known as ... Mathieu Schneider Mathieu Schneider Mathieu Schneider is a American former professional ice hockey player. Considered an offensive defenseman, Schneider played 1289 games in the National Hockey League with ten different teams, scoring 233 goals and totalling 743 points... Conditional 2009 2009 NHL Entry Draft The 2009 NHL Entry Draft was the 47th Entry Draft. It was held on June 26–27, 2009 at the Bell Centre in Montreal, Quebec. The Draft was part of the Montreal Canadiens centennial celebrations. National Hockey League teams took turns selecting amateur ice hockey players from junior, collegiate, or... 3rd round draft pick |
To Atlanta Thrashers Atlanta Thrashers The Atlanta Thrashers were a professional ice hockey team based in Atlanta, Georgia, United States. Atlanta was granted a franchise in the National Hockey League on June 25, 1997, and became the league's 28th franchise when it began play in the 1999–2000 NHL season... 2nd round pick in 2009 2009 NHL Entry Draft The 2009 NHL Entry Draft was the 47th Entry Draft. It was held on June 26–27, 2009 at the Bell Centre in Montreal, Quebec. The Draft was part of the Montreal Canadiens centennial celebrations. National Hockey League teams took turns selecting amateur ice hockey players from junior, collegiate, or... 3rd round pick in 2010 2010 NHL Entry Draft The 2010 NHL Entry Draft was the 48th NHL Entry Draft, held on June 25–26, 2010 at the Staples Center in Los Angeles, California, home arena of the Los Angeles Kings. This was the first time Los Angeles hosted the NHL Entry Draft. An unofficial record of 11 American-trained players were selected in... |
| February 26, 2009 2008–09 NHL season The 2008–09 NHL season was the 92nd season of operation of the National Hockey League . It was the first season since prior to the 2004–05 lockout in which every team played each other at least once during the season, following three seasons where teams only played against two divisions in the... |
To Montreal Canadiens Montreal Canadiens The Montreal Canadiens are a professional ice hockey team based in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. They are members of the Northeast Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League . The club is officially known as ... Doug Janik Doug Janik Douglas J. Janik is a professional ice hockey defenseman who is currently a member of the National Hockey League's Detroit Red Wings organization.-Playing career:... |
To Dallas Stars Dallas Stars The Dallas Stars are a professional ice hockey team based in Dallas, Texas. They are members of the Pacific Division of the Western Conference of the National Hockey League . The team was founded during the 1967 NHL expansion as the Minnesota North Stars, based in Bloomington, Minnesota. The... Steve Begin Steve Bégin Stéphan Bégin ; born June 14, 1978) is a Canadian professional ice hockey centre who most recently played for the Nashville Predators.-Playing career:... |
| February 27, 2009 2008–09 NHL season The 2008–09 NHL season was the 92nd season of operation of the National Hockey League . It was the first season since prior to the 2004–05 lockout in which every team played each other at least once during the season, following three seasons where teams only played against two divisions in the... |
To Montreal Canadiens Montreal Canadiens The Montreal Canadiens are a professional ice hockey team based in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. They are members of the Northeast Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League . The club is officially known as ... Glen Metropolit Glen Metropolit Glen Metropolit is a Canadian professional ice hockey centre currently playing for EV Zug in the Swiss National League A.-Early years:... |
To Philadelphia Flyers Philadelphia Flyers The Philadelphia Flyers are a professional ice hockey team based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. They are members of the Atlantic Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League... claimed off waivers |
Free agent acquisitions
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Players lost to free agency
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Draft picks
Montreal's picks at the 2008 NHL Entry Draft2008 NHL Entry Draft
The 2008 NHL Entry Draft was the 46th NHL Entry Draft. It was hosted by the Ottawa Senators at Scotiabank Place in the city of Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, on June 20–21, 2008...
in Ottawa, Ontario
Ontario
Ontario is a province of Canada, located in east-central Canada. It is Canada's most populous province and second largest in total area. It is home to the nation's most populous city, Toronto, and the nation's capital, Ottawa....
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| Round | # | Player | Position | Nationality | College/junior/club team (league) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 | 25 | Danny Kristo Danny Kristo Danny Kristo is an American ice hockey player with the North Dakota Fighting Sioux men's ice hockey which competes in the WCHA. He was selected by the Montreal Canadiens in the 2nd round of the 2008 NHL Entry Draft.... |
RW | U.S. National Under-18 Team USA Hockey USA Hockey is recognized by the International Olympic Committee and the United States Olympic Committee as the governing body for amateur ice hockey in the United States and is a member of the International Ice Hockey Federation. The organization is based in Colorado Springs, Colorado, and has... (USDP) |
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| 3 | 86 | Steve Quailer Steve Quailer Steve Quailer is an American ice hockey player who is currently playing for the Northeastern Huskies men's ice hockey team which competes in NCAA's Division I in the Hockey East conference. He was selected by the Montreal Canadiens in the 3rd round of the 2008 NHL Entry Draft... |
RW | Northeastern University (Hockey East Hockey East Hockey East Association is a NCAA Men's Division I Ice Hockey conference which operates in New England. It participates in the NCAA's Division I as a hockey-only conference.... ) |
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| 4 | 116 | Jason Missiaen | G | Peterborough Petes Peterborough Petes The Peterborough Petes are a junior ice hockey team in the Ontario Hockey League. The team has played in Peterborough, Ontario, Canada, since 1956, and is the oldest continuously operating team in the league.-History:... (OHL Ontario Hockey League The Ontario Hockey League is one of the three Major Junior ice hockey leagues which constitute the Canadian Hockey League. The league is for players aged 15-20.The OHL also operates under the Ontario Hockey Federation of Hockey Canada.... ) |
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| 5 | 138 | Maxim Trunev Maxim Trunev Maxim Trunev is a Russian ice hockey winger who is currently playing for the Severstal Cherepovets team of the Kontinental Hockey League.-Playing career:... |
F | Severstal Cherepovets Severstal Cherepovets HC Severstal Cherepovets is a professional ice hockey team based in Cherepovets, Vologda Oblast, Russia. They are members of the Tarasov Division in the Kontinental Hockey League.-History:Founded in 1956, the club was originally known as Stroitel Cherepovets... -2 (Rus3) |
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| 7 | 206 | Patrick Johnson | F | University of Wisconsin (NCAA) |
Broadcasting
| Country | Broadcaster |
|---|---|
| English: CBC Canadian Broadcasting Corporation The Canadian Broadcasting Corporation, commonly known as CBC and officially as CBC/Radio-Canada, is a Canadian crown corporation that serves as the national public radio and television broadcaster... , TSN The Sports Network The Sports Network, commonly abbreviated as TSN, is a Canadian English language Category C specialty channel and is Canada's leading English language sports TV channel. TSN premiered in 1984, in the first group of Canadian specialty cable channels... , NHL Network; French: RDS Réseau des sports Réseau des sports , is a Canadian French language Category C specialty channel showing sports and sport-related shows. It is available in 2.5 million homes, and is owned by CTV Specialty Television Inc.... , RIS, RDS.CA |
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| Versus Versus (TV channel) Versus is a sports-oriented cable television channel in the United States. It was previously known as Outdoor Life Network and was launched on July 1, 1995, focusing on fishing, hunting, and other outdoor sports... , ESPN ESPN Entertainment and Sports Programming Network, commonly known as ESPN, is an American global cable television network focusing on sports-related programming including live and pre-taped event telecasts, sports talk shows, and other original programming.... , NBC NBC The National Broadcasting Company is an American commercial broadcasting television network and former radio network headquartered in the GE Building in New York City's Rockefeller Center with additional major offices near Los Angeles and in Chicago... , CBS CBS CBS Broadcasting Inc. is a major US commercial broadcasting television network, which started as a radio network. The name is derived from the initials of the network's former name, Columbia Broadcasting System. The network is sometimes referred to as the "Eye Network" in reference to the shape of... , Fox Fox Broadcasting Company Fox Broadcasting Company, commonly referred to as Fox Network or simply Fox , is an American commercial broadcasting television network owned by Fox Entertainment Group, part of Rupert Murdoch's News Corporation. Launched on October 9, 1986, Fox was the highest-rated broadcast network in the... , HDNet HDNet HDNet is a men's interest television channel in the United States, broadcasting exclusively in high-definition format and available via cable and satellite television... , NHL Network, RDS.CA |
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| NASN, NHL Network, RDS.CA | |
| NTV (Russia), RDS.CA | |
| ASN, RDS.CA |
Hamilton Bulldogs
The Hamilton BulldogsHamilton Bulldogs
The Hamilton Bulldogs are a professional ice hockey team in the American Hockey League. They play in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada, at Copps Coliseum, nicknamed 'The Dog Pound'. They are the AHL affiliate of the NHL's Montreal Canadiens...
remain Montreal's top affiliate in the American Hockey League
American Hockey League
The American Hockey League is a 30-team professional ice hockey league based in the United States and Canada that serves as the primary developmental circuit for the National Hockey League...
in 2008–09
2008–09 AHL season
The 2008–09 AHL season is the 73rd season of the American Hockey League. 29 teams each played 80 games in the regular season, which ran from October 8 until April 12.-Team and NHL affiliation changes:...
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Cincinnati Cyclones
Montreal continues their affiliation alongside the Nashville PredatorsNashville Predators
The Nashville Predators are a professional ice hockey team based in Nashville, Tennessee. They are members of the Central Division of the Western Conference of the National Hockey League...
for the Cincinnati Cyclones
Cincinnati Cyclones
The Cincinnati Cyclones are a professional hockey team based in Cincinnati, Ohio. The team is a member of the ECHL. Founded in 1990, the team first played their games in the Cincinnati Gardens and now play at U.S. Bank Arena....
of the ECHL
ECHL
The ECHL is a mid-level professional ice hockey league based in Princeton, New Jersey with teams scattered across the United States...
in 2008–09
2008–09 ECHL season
The 2008-09 ECHL season was the 21st of the ECHL. The league welcomed one new franchise, the Ontario Reign, which will relocate from Beaumont, Texas and will play at the Citizens Business Bank Arena in Ontario, CA. Two teams, the Columbia Inferno and the Myrtle Beach Thunderboltz, will voluntary...
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