2008–09 Boston Bruins season

NHL team season March 2026 August 2023 NHL 2008–09 2008 Boston Bruins Eastern 1st Northeast 1st 53–19–10 29–6–6 24–13–4 274 196 Peter Chiarelli Claude Julien Zdeno Chara Patrice BergeronRotatingP. J. AxelssonAndrew FerenceMarco SturmStephane Yelle TD Banknorth Garden 17,039 (97.0%)Total: 698,638 Phil Kessel (36) Marc Savard (63) Marc Savard (88) David Krejci (+37) Milan Lucic (136) Tim Thomas (36) Tim Thomas (2.10) Yes The 2008–09 Boston Bruins season was the Bruins' 85th season in the National Hockey League (NHL). Their regular season began on the road on October 9, 2008, in Denver versus the Colorado Avalanche and concluded on April 12, 2009, against the New York Islanders. The Bruins looked to improve upon the accomplishments of the 2007–08 season, which included Boston's return to the Stanley Cup Playoffs for the first time since the 2003–04 season. Marc Savard again led the team in scoring for the regular season, his 88 points good for ninth in the league. Tim Thomas led all goaltenders in both save percentage and goals against at season's end, while sophomore sensation David Krejci led the league in plus-minus, narrowly beating out rookie teammate Blake Wheeler. The Bruins claimed their first division title since 2004 and clinched top seed in the East for the first time since 2002. Season events 2008–09 NHL season "I’m not big on going out there and making those big declarations, or comments, but I think we can go as far as we believe we can go." — Claude Julien, prior to the 2008–09 season Julien is Ready for 2008-09 http://bruins.nhl.com/team/app?articleid=385438&page=NewsPage&service=page BostonBruins.com 2008-10-08 2008-10-09 https://web.archive.org/web/20081009131443/http://bruins.nhl.com/team/app?articleid=385438&page=NewsPage&service=page 9 October 2008 dead 286px right Arguably the two biggest events to occur during the Bruins' off-season were the acquisition of Montreal Canadiens forward Michael Ryder,http://bruins.nhl.com/team/app?articleid=367521&page=NewsPage&service=page Chiarelli & Bruins Happy to Reel In Ryder NHL.com 2008-07-02 https://web.archive.org/web/20080803060536/http://bruins.nhl.com/team/app?articleid=367521&page=NewsPage&service=page 2008-08-03 dead a noted 30-goal scorer, and Blake Wheeler, a promising 21-year-old from the University of Minnesota.http://bruins.nhl.com/team/app/?service=page&page=NewsPage&articleid=367312 Boston Bruins Sign Forward Blake Wheeler NHL.com 2008-07-01 https://web.archive.org/web/20080704094859/http://bruins.nhl.com/team/app/?service=page&page=NewsPage&articleid=367312 4 July 2008 dead Twelve-year veteran Stephane Yelle was another strong addition to the roster.http://archive.boston.com/sports/hockey/bruins/articles/2008/09/04/bruins_put_in_the_call_for_veteran_forward_yelle/ Bruins put in the call for veteran Yelle Boston.com 2008-09-04 2008-10-21 https://web.archive.org/web/20091207101232/http://www.boston.com/sports/hockey/bruins/articles/2008/09/04/bruins_put_in_the_call_for_veteran_forward_yelle/ 2009-12-07 live Dupont Kevin Paul Added to a line-up featuring young stars such as Phil Kessel and Milan Lucic, the return of Patrice Bergeron, the improved goaltending of veteran Tim Thomas and coming off the back of an impressive post-season, expectations were high for the team. Preseason The Bruins pre-season saw the team compete in eight games over a two-week period. The team played two games each against the Montreal Canadiens, the New York Islanders, the Washington Capitals and the defending Stanley Cup champions, the Detroit Red Wings. Boston maintained a 3–4–1 record through the pre-season with victories against the Canadiens, Capitals and Red Wings, including an impressive 8–3 victory over arch-rivals Montreal in their first match-up. October On October 9, the Bruins opened their regular season against the Colorado Avalanche, at the Pepsi Center.Bruins 5, Avalanche 4 https://www.nhl.com/gamecenter/bos-vs-col/2008/10/09/2008020006 2008-10-10 2008-10-09 NHL.com https://web.archive.org/web/20090318174022/http://www.nhl.com/ice/recap.htm?id=2008020006 2009-03-18 live The Bruins notched a 5–4 victory and celebrated the return of centre Patrice Bergeron, playing his first NHL game in almost a year, while Blake Wheeler scored his first NHL goal on debut. The team would go on to lose its next two games,Bruins 3, Wild 4 https://www.nhl.com/gamecenter/bos-vs-min/2008/10/11/2008020025 2008-10-12 2008-10-11 NHL.com including a shootout loss to their rivals, the Montreal Canadiens.Bruins 3, Canadiens 4, SO https://www.nhl.com/gamecenter/bos-vs-mtl/2008/10/15/2008020045 2008-10-16 2008-10-15 NHL.com The Bruins home opener took place on October 20, with the team suffering another shootout defeat, this time to the Pittsburgh Penguins.Bruins 1, Penguins 2, SO https://www.nhl.com/gamecenter/pit-vs-bos/2008/10/20/2008020078 2008-10-21 2008-10-20 NHL.com Boston secured its first home victory of the season on October 25,Bruins 5, Thrashers 4 https://www.nhl.com/gamecenter/atl-vs-bos/2008/10/25/2008020105 2008-10-26 2008-10-25 NHL.com against the Atlanta Thrashers in what proved to be a memorable game, with the teams switching ends at the first stoppage in play after the 10-minute mark of the period due to incorrect markings on the West End (visitors bench side) of the TD Banknorth Garden ice.Bruins Announce Change in Game Format http://bruins.nhl.com/team/app?articleid=388604&page=NewsPage&service=page 2008-10-26 2008-10-25 Bruins.com https://web.archive.org/web/20081028160138/http://bruins.nhl.com/team/app?articleid=388604&page=NewsPage&service=page 28 October 2008 dead Winger Milan Lucic recorded his first NHL hat trick in the game, also adding an assist in the 5–4 victory.Lucic's hat trick leads Bruins past Thrashers https://www.nhl.com/gamecenter/atl-vs-bos/2008/10/25/2008020105 2008-10-25 2008-10-25 National Hockey League On October 27, in Edmonton in overtime and October 28 in Vancouver, Tim Thomas became the first Boston goaltender with consecutive shutouts since April 3–5, 1999 (Byron Dafoe), and only the second goaltender in NHL history to record consecutive 1–0 shutouts on the road (Florida's Craig Anderson, March 2–4, 2008).Player Card: Tim Thomas https://www.nhl.com/player/tim-thomas-8460703 2008-10-29 2008-10-28 NHL.com The Bruins ended October with a loss to the Calgary Flames on the road,Bruins 2, Flames 3 https://www.nhl.com/gamecenter/bos-vs-cgy/2008/10/30/2008020144 2008-10-31 2008-10-30 NHL.com and finished the month with a 5–3–3 record. http://bruins.nhl.com/team/app?service=page&page=SubseasonSchedule 2008-2009 Regular Season Schedule/Results 2008-10-31 BostonBruins.com 2008-10-30 https://web.archive.org/web/20081101113030/http://bruins.nhl.com/team/app?service=page&page=SubseasonSchedule 1 November 2008 dead November–December thumb|left|Phil Kessel equalled the longest point streak by a U.S.-born player in NHL history. The Bruins opened the month of November with a 5–1 victory at home, in what proved to be a particularly physical match against the Dallas Stars.Bruins 5, Flames 1 https://www.nhl.com/gamecenter/dal-vs-bos/2008/11/01/2008020151 2008-11-02 2008-11-01 NHL.com The game would prove a turning point for the team, with many players citing it as the catalyst that would see the team go on to win their next 12 games at home.Enough Was Enough http://bruins.nhl.com/team/app?articleid=390076&page=NewsPage&service=page 2008-11-03 2008-11-02 BostonBruins.com https://web.archive.org/web/20081107143948/http://bruins.nhl.com/team/app/?service=page&page=NewsPage&articleid=390076 2008-11-07 dead One of those wins was a convincing 6–1 victory over the Montreal Canadiens on November 13. This would spark a winning streak against the Canadiens similar to that of the streak that Montreal had against the Bruins in the previous season. On November 6, in a 5–2 victory against the Toronto Maple Leafs, Blake Wheeler recorded his first NHL hat trick, while Captain Zdeno Chara celebrated his 700th NHL game.Bruins 5, Leafs 2 https://www.nhl.com/gamecenter/tor-vs-bos/2008/11/06/2008020181 2008-11-07 2008-11-06 NHL.com In the return leg, on November 17, Matt Hunwick scored his first NHL goal as the Bruins once again defeated the Maple Leafs. Two days later, Marc Savard would secure his 600th NHL point with a goal and three assists in the Bruins' 7–4 win against the Buffalo Sabres.Bruins 7, Sabres 4 https://www.nhl.com/gamecenter/buf-vs-bos/2008/11/19/2008020268 2008-11-20 2008-11-19 NHL.com On December 18, centre David Krejci recorded his first NHL hat trick in an 8–5 win against Toronto. Phil Kessel also scored two goals in the match, his second bringing up his 100th career point.Bruins 8, Leafs 5 https://www.nhl.com/gamecenter/tor-vs-bos/2008/12/18/2008020460 2008-12-19 2008-12-18 NHL.com https://web.archive.org/web/20100209143611/http://www.nhl.com/ice/recap.htm?id=2008020460 2010-02-09 live Boston finished the month of November with an 11–1–1 record, including an 8–0–0 record at home. http://bruins.nhl.com/team/app?service=page&page=SubseasonSchedule 2008-2009 Regular Season Schedule/Results 2008-12-01 BostonBruins.com 2008-11-30 https://web.archive.org/web/20081204025052/http://bruins.nhl.com/team/app?service=page&page=SubseasonSchedule 4 December 2008 dead They would carry that form through the month of December, finishing with a remarkable 12–1–0 record and remaining undefeated at TD Garden (4–0–0). http://bruins.nhl.com/team/app?service=page&page=SubseasonSchedule 2008-2009 Regular Season Schedule/Results 2009-01-01 BostonBruins.com 2008-12-31 https://web.archive.org/web/20090103080217/http://bruins.nhl.com/team/app?service=page&page=SubseasonSchedule 3 January 2009 dead Phil Kessel maintained an 18-game point streak from November 13 to December 21, the longest such streak overall for the season and equalling Ed Olczyk's record for the longest point streak by an American-born player in NHL history.Players: Philip Kessel https://www.nhl.com/player/phil-kessel-8473548 2009-04-21 2009-04-21 NHL.com https://web.archive.org/web/20090925093523/http://www.nhl.com/ice/player.htm?id=8473548&view=notes 2009-09-25 live The biggest concern during this period was the loss of forward Patrice Bergeron, the young centre sustaining his second concussion in 14 months, after a heavy collision with the Carolina Hurricanes' Dennis Seidenberg.Bruins 4, Hurricanes 2 https://www.nhl.com/gamecenter/car-vs-bos/2008/12/20/2008020474 2008-12-21 2008-12-20 NHL.com Bergeron would go on to miss the next 15 games.http://bruins.nhl.com/team/app?articleid=399474&page=NewsPage&service=page Boston Bruins Statement Regarding Patrice Bergeron 2008-12-22 BostonBruins.com 2008-12-21 https://web.archive.org/web/20090212144232/http://bruins.nhl.com/team/app/?service=page&page=NewsPage&articleid=399474 2009-02-12 dead January Boston would begin 2009 in the same manner with which they ended 2008 – with a victory over the defending Eastern Conference champions, the Pittsburgh Penguins.Bruins 4, Flames 2 https://www.nhl.com/gamecenter/pit-vs-bos/2009/01/01/2008020555 2009-01-02 2009-01-02 NHL.com The victory, their 10th in a row and 14th-straight at home, secured the team's longest streak since March 9–28, 1973, and catapulted the Bruins to the top spot in the NHL with 62 points, one more than the San Jose Sharks. http://bruins.nhl.com/team/app?articleid=401489&page=NewsPage&service=page A View from the Top. Boston is NHL's Best 2009-01-03 BostonBruins.com 2009-01-02 https://web.archive.org/web/20090107012040/http://bruins.nhl.com/team/app/?service=page&page=NewsPage&articleid=401489 2009-01-07 dead From January 12 to 29, forward Phil Kessel was sidelined with mononucleosis. http://bruins.nhl.com/team/app?articleid=403791&page=NewsPage&service=page Boston Bruins Make Five Transactions 2009-01-13 BostonBruins.com 2009-01-12 https://web.archive.org/web/20090113121416/http://bruins.nhl.com/team/app/?service=page&page=NewsPage&articleid=403791 2009-01-13 dead http://bruins.nhl.com/team/app?articleid=406774&page=NewsPage&service=page Kessel Will Play Against Devils 2009-01-30 BostonBruins.com 2009-01-29 https://web.archive.org/web/20090131135312/http://bruins.nhl.com/team/app/?service=page&page=NewsPage&articleid=406774 2009-01-31 dead On January 13, Marco Sturm was lost for the season after undergoing surgery for an injury incurred on December 18 against the Toronto Maple Leafs.Bruins 8, Maple Leafs 5 https://www.nhl.com/gamecenter/tor-vs-bos/2008/12/18/2008020460 2008-12-18 2008-12-18 NHL.com https://web.archive.org/web/20100209143611/http://www.nhl.com/ice/recap.htm?id=2008020460 2010-02-09 live Bruins forward Sturm out for season http://www.nhl.com/ice/news.htm?id=403967 https://web.archive.org/web/20121010080829/http://www.nhl.com/ice/news.htm?id=403967 dead October 10, 2012 2009-01-13 2009-01-13 NHL.com On January 27, Patrice Bergeron would make his second return from concussion in as many seasons, tallying an assist in the Bruins 3–2 overtime victory against the Washington Capitals.Bruins 3, Capitals 2, OT https://www.nhl.com/gamecenter/wsh-vs-bos/2009/01/27/2008020701 2009-01-28 2009-01-27 NHL.com On January 31, Tuukka Rask, recalled from the Providence Bruins, played his first game with the Bruins for the season and recorded his first NHL shutout, stopping all 35 shots in a 1–0 victory against the New York Rangers. http://bruins.nhl.com/team/app?articleid=407101&page=NewsPage&service=page Tuukka Was Up to the Task 2009-02-02 BostonBruins.com 2009-01-31 https://web.archive.org/web/20090205093622/http://bruins.nhl.com/team/app/?service=page&page=NewsPage&articleid=407101 2009-02-05 dead All-Star weekend 57th National Hockey League All-Star Game thumb|Tim Thomas, winner of the 2008–09 William M. Jennings Trophy Three Bruins were assigned to the Eastern Conference for the 57th National Hockey League All-Star Game, with Zdeno Chara, Marc Savard and Tim Thomas all representing Boston as reserves. http://bruins.nhl.com/team/app?articleid=402855&page=NewsPage&service=page Chara, Savard and Thomas are All-Stars 2009-01-09 BostonBruins.com 2009-01-08 https://web.archive.org/web/20090109154806/http://bruins.nhl.com/team/app/?service=page&page=NewsPage&articleid=402855 2009-01-09 dead Coach Claude Julien was also named as head coach ahead of Montreal counterpart, Guy Carbonneau. http://bruins.nhl.com/team/app?articleid=403361&page=NewsPage&service=page Julien to Serve as Eastern Conference Coach 2009-01-11 BostonBruins.com 2009-01-10 https://web.archive.org/web/20090111162621/http://bruins.nhl.com/team/app/?service=page&page=NewsPage&articleid=403361 2009-01-11 dead Over the course of the weekend, Blake Wheeler was named MVP of the YoungStars game with a four-goal performance, http://bruins.nhl.com/team/app?articleid=406169&page=NewsPage&service=page Wheeler Carries Freshmen to Victory 2009-01-26 BostonBruins.com 2009-01-25 https://web.archive.org/web/20090130063211/http://bruins.nhl.com/team/app/?service=page&page=NewsPage&articleid=406169 2009-01-30 dead Zdeno Chara recorded the hardest ever shot (105.4 mph) in the SuperSkills Competition, http://bruins.nhl.com/team/app?articleid=406183&page=NewsPage&service=page Chara Breaks Hardest Shot Record 2009-01-26 BostonBruins.com 2009-01-25 https://web.archive.org/web/20090131070350/http://bruins.nhl.com/team/app/?service=page&page=NewsPage&articleid=406183 2009-01-31 dead while Chara, Savard and Thomas celebrated victory in the All-Star Game, with Savard tallying three assists while Thomas was awarded the win for his efforts in both the overtime and shootout periods. http://bruins.nhl.com/team/app?articleid=406250&page=NewsPage&service=page Eastern All-Stars 12, Western All-Stars 11 (SO) 2009-01-26 BostonBruins.com 2009-01-25 https://web.archive.org/web/20090129235122/http://bruins.nhl.com/team/app/?service=page&page=NewsPage&articleid=406250 2009-01-29 dead March On March 4, the Bruins acquired defenseman Steve Montador from the Anaheim Ducks in exchange for forward Petteri Nokelainen.http://bruins.nhl.com/team/app?articleid=412190&page=NewsPage&service=page B's Acquire Montador for Nokelainen 2009-03-05 BostonBruins.com 2009-03-04 https://web.archive.org/web/20090309003723/http://bruins.nhl.com/team/app/?service=page&page=NewsPage&articleid=412190 2009-03-09 dead Later that day, the club announced the acquisition of forward Mark Recchi and a second round draft pick in the 2010 NHL entry draft from the Tampa Bay Lightning in exchange for defenseman Matt Lashoff and forward Martins Karsums. http://bruins.nhl.com/team/app?articleid=412276&page=NewsPage&service=page B's Acquire Recchi for Lashoff, Karsums 2009-03-05 BostonBruins.com 2009-03-04 https://web.archive.org/web/20090309003429/http://bruins.nhl.com/team/app/?service=page&page=NewsPage&articleid=412276 2009-03-09 dead Three days later, on March 7, Recchi scored a pair of goals in his second outing for the Bruins, against the Chicago Blackhawks.Bruins 5, Black Hawks 3 https://www.nhl.com/gamecenter/chi-vs-bos/2009/03/07/2008020969 2009-03-08 2009-03-07 NHL.com https://web.archive.org/web/20090310061822/http://www.nhl.com/ice/recap.htm?id=2008020969 2009-03-10 live The Bruins secured their second successive playoff berth on March 21, when the Florida Panthers lost to the Columbus Blue Jackets. The following night, they secured the Northeast Division title with a 4–1 victory against Eastern rivals the New Jersey Devils.Bruins 4, Devils 1 https://www.nhl.com/gamecenter/njd-vs-bos/2009/03/22/2008021078 2009-03-22 2009-03-22 NHL.com https://web.archive.org/web/20090325052641/http://www.nhl.com/ice/recap.htm?id=2008021078 2009-03-25 live April On April 2, against the Ottawa Senators, Boston recorded their 50th win for the season, the eighth time in franchise history and first since 1992–93 that the mark had been achieved.Bruins 2, Senators 1 https://www.nhl.com/gamecenter/ott-vs-bos/2009/04/02/2008021150 2009-04-02 2009-04-02 NHL.com https://web.archive.org/web/20090406014306/http://www.nhl.com/ice/recap.htm?id=2008021150 2009-04-06 live Prior to the match, David Krejci was the recipient of NESN's Seventh Player Award, the annual award presented to the Bruin who went above and beyond the call of duty and exceed the expectations of Bruins fans during the season.Krejci Wins NESN's Seventh Player Award http://bruins.nhl.com/team/app/?service=page&page=NewsPage&articleid=416404 2009-04-02 2009-04-02 BostonBruins.com https://archive.today/20090611035512/http://bruins.nhl.com/team/app/?service=page&page=NewsPage&articleid=416404 2009-06-11 dead Standings Divisional standings BOS Conference standings BOS Schedule and results Preseason 2008 pre-season # Date Visitor Score Home OT Decision Attendance Record Recap1September 22 Boston Bruins 8–3 Montreal CanadiensNote1 1Kevin Regan7,7921–0–02September 23 Boston Bruins 1–2New York IslandersNote2 2OTTuukka Rask3,2781–0–13September 25Boston Bruins 3–4Detroit Red WingsNote1 1——1–1–14September 26 Boston Bruins 2–1Detroit Red WingsTuukka Rask15,2662–1–15September 27 Washington Capitals4–3Boston BruinsTim Thomas13,6602–2–16October 1 Boston Bruins 1–3Montreal CanadiensManny Fernandez21,1732–3–17October 4New York Islanders3–1Boston BruinsTim Thomas12,4282–4–18October 5Boston Bruins5–4Washington CapitalsSOManny Fernandez14,5853–4–1Note1 Match played at Metro Center in Halifax, Nova Scotia. Note2 Match played at Moncton Coliseum in Moncton, New Brunswick. Regular season The Bruins allowed only 190 goals (excluding 6 shootout goals), the fewest among all 30 teams.https://www.hockey-reference.com/leagues/NHL_2009.html 2008-09 NHL Summaryhttps://www.hockey-reference.com/leagues/NHL_2009_games.html 2008-09 NHL Schedule and Results 2008–09 game log October: 5–3–3 (home: 1–1–1; road: 4–2–2) # Date Visitor Score Home OT Decision Attendance Record Pts Recap1October 9 Boston Bruins 5–4Colorado AvalancheTim Thomas18,0071–0–022October 11 Boston Bruins 3–4Minnesota WildManny Fernandez18,5681–1–023October 15Boston Bruins3–4Montreal CanadiensSOTim Thomas21,2731–1–134October 18 Boston Bruins 4–2Ottawa SenatorsManny Fernandez20,1822–1–155October 20 Pittsburgh Penguins2–1Boston BruinsSOTim Thomas17,5652–1–266October 21Boston Bruins2–3Buffalo SabresSOManny Fernandez18,6902–1–377October 23Toronto Maple Leafs4–2Boston BruinsTim Thomas12,2742–2–378October 25Atlanta Thrashers4–5Boston BruinsManny Fernandez16,0443–2–399October 27Boston Bruins1–0Edmonton OilersOTTim Thomas16,8394–2–31110October 28Boston Bruins1–0Vancouver CanucksTim Thomas18,6305–2–31311October 30Boston Bruins2–3Calgary FlamesTim Thomas19,2895–3–313 November: 11–1–1 (home: 8–0–0; road: 3–1–1) # Date Visitor Score Home OT Decision Attendance Record Pts Recap12November 1Dallas Stars1–5Boston BruinsTim Thomas14,5766–3–31513November 6Toronto Maple Leafs2–5Boston BruinsTim Thomas15,3917–3–31714November 8Buffalo Sabres1–3Boston BruinsManny Fernandez17,5658–3–31915November 12Boston Bruins2–1Chicago BlackhawksSOTim Thomas22,0929–3–32116November 13Montreal Canadiens1–6Boston BruinsManny Fernandez16,81610–3–32317November 15 Boston Bruins 2–3New York RangersSOTim Thomas18,20010–3–42418November 17 Boston Bruins3–2Toronto Maple LeafsTim Thomas19,41011–3–42619November 19Buffalo Sabres4–7Boston BruinsManny Fernandez15,63212–3–42820November 21Florida Panthers2–4Boston BruinsTim Thomas16,87813–3–43021November 22Boston Bruins 3–2Montreal CanadiensSOTim Thomas21,27314–3–43222November 26 Boston Bruins 2–3Buffalo SabresTim Thomas18,32614–4–43223November 28 New York Islanders 2–7Boston BruinsManny Fernandez17,56515–4–43424November 29Detroit Red Wings 1–4Boston BruinsManny Fernandez17,56516–4–436 December: 12–1–0 (home: 4–0–0; road: 8–1–0) # Date Visitor Score Home OT Decision Attendance Record Pts Recap25December 4Boston Bruins3–1Tampa Bay LightningTim Thomas15,59817–4–43826December 6Boston Bruins4–0Florida PanthersManny Fernandez16,21318–4–44027December 8Tampa Bay Lightning3–5Boston Bruins Tim Thomas16,97319–4–44228December 10Boston Bruins1–3Washington CapitalsManny Fernandez17,69719–5–44229December 12Boston Bruins7–3Atlanta ThrashersTim Thomas15,81820–5–44430December 13Atlanta Thrashers2–4Boston BruinsManny Fernandez17,56521–5–44631December 18Toronto Maple Leafs5–8Boston BruinsTim Thomas17,56522–5–44832December 20Carolina Hurricanes2–4Boston BruinsManny Fernandez17,56523–5–45033December 21Boston Bruins6–3St. Louis BluesManny Fernandez19,15024–5–45234December 23Boston Bruins2–0New Jersey DevilsTim Thomas16,30425–5–45435December 27Boston Bruins4–2Carolina HurricanesTim Thomas16,70526–5–45636December 28Boston Bruins2–1Atlanta ThrashersManny Fernandez16,83527–5–45837December 30Boston Bruins5–2Pittsburgh PenguinsTim Thomas17,13228–5–460 January: 8–3–2 (home: 6–2–2; road: 2–1–0) # Date Visitor Score Home OT Decision Attendance Record Pts Recap38January 1Pittsburgh Penguins2–4Boston BruinsManny Fernandez17,56529–5–46239January 3Buffalo Sabres4–2Boston BruinsTim Thomas17,56529–6–46240January 6Minnesota Wild1–0Boston BruinsManny Fernandez16,27229–7–46241January 8Ottawa Senators4–6Boston BruinsManny Fernandez16,46430–7–46442January 10Carolina Hurricanes1–5Boston BruinsTim Thomas17,56531–7–46643January 13Montreal Canadiens1–3Boston BruinsTim Thomas17,56532–7–46844January 15Boston Bruins2–1New York IslandersTim Thomas15,54833–7–47045January 17Boston Bruins1–2Washington CapitalsTim Thomas18,27733–8–47046January 19St. Louis Blues5–4Boston BruinsSOTim Thomas17,56533–8–57147January 21Boston Bruins4–3Toronto Maple LeafsSOTim Thomas19,25834–8–57348January 27Washington Capitals2–3Boston BruinsOTTim Thomas17,56535–8–57549January 29New Jersey Devils4–3Boston BruinsOTTim Thomas17,56535–8–67650January 31New York Rangers0–1Boston BruinsTuukka Rask17,56536–8–678 February: 6–4–3 (home: 2–1–2; road: 4–3–1) # Date Visitor Score Home OT Decision Attendance Record Pts Recap51February 1Boston Bruins3–1Montreal CanadiensTim Thomas21,27337–8–68052February 4Boston Bruins3–1Philadelphia FlyersTim Thomas19,74838–8–68253February 5Boston Bruins4–3Ottawa SenatorsSOTim Thomas17,29739–8–68454February 7Philadelphia Flyers4–3Boston BruinsOTManny Fernandez17,56539–8–78555February 10San Jose Sharks5–2Boston BruinsTim Thomas17,56539–9–78556February 13Boston Bruins0–1New Jersey DevilsTim Thomas15,25739–10–78557February 14Boston Bruins2–3Nashville PredatorsSOManny Fernandez17,11339–10–88658February 17Boston Bruins5–1Carolina HurricanesTim Thomas18,68040–10–888 59February 21Boston Bruins0–2Florida PanthersTim Thomas19,34340–11–88860February 22Boston Bruins3–4Tampa Bay LightningManny Fernandez18,45440–12–88861February 24Florida Panthers1–6Boston BruinsTim Thomas16,78141–12–89062February 26Anaheim Ducks0–6Boston BruinsTim Thomas17,56542–12–89263February 28Washington Capitals4–3Boston BruinsOTTim Thomas17,56542–12–993 March: 7–5–1 (home: 5–2–1; road: 2–3–0) # Date Visitor Score Home OT Decision Attendance Record Pts Recap64March 3Philadelphia Flyers4–2Boston BruinsManny Fernandez17,02042–13–99365March 5Phoenix Coyotes2–1Boston BruinsTim Thomas16,81842–14–99366March 7Chicago Blackhawks3–5Boston BruinsTim Thomas17,56543–14–995 67March 8Boston Bruins3–4New York RangersManny Fernandez18,20043–15–99568March 10Boston Bruins0–2Columbus Blue JacketsTim Thomas16,67543–16–99569March 12Ottawa Senators3–5Boston BruinsTim Thomas17,02244–16–997 70March 14New York Islanders1–2Boston BruinsTim Thomas17,56545–16–99971March 15Boston Bruins4–6Pittsburgh PenguinsTim Thomas17,13245–17–99972March 19Los Angeles Kings3–2Boston BruinsOTTim Thomas17,56545–17–1010073March 22New Jersey Devils1–4Boston BruinsTim Thomas17,56546–17–1010274March 28Boston Bruins7–5Toronto Maple LeafsManny Fernandez19,36047–17–1010475March 29Boston Bruins4–3Philadelphia FlyersTim Thomas19,71548–17–1010676March 31Tampa Bay Lightning1–3Boston BruinsManny Fernandez16,99649–17–10108 April: 4–2–0 (home: 3–0–0; road: 1–2–0) # Date Visitor Score Home OT Decision Attendance Record Pts Recap77April 2Ottawa Senators1–2Boston BruinsTim Thomas17,56550–17–1011078April 4New York Rangers0–1Boston BruinsTim Thomas17,56551–17–10112 79April 7Boston Bruins2–3Ottawa SenatorsManny Fernandez19,05351–18–1011280April 9Montreal Canadiens4–5Boston BruinsOTTim Thomas17,56552–18–1011481April 11Boston Bruins1–6Buffalo SabresManny Fernandez18,69052–19–1011482April 12Boston Bruins6–2New York IslandersTim Thomas14,31153–19–10116 Legend: #CCFFCC Win (2 points) 1px solid #AAAAAA #FFBBBB Loss (0 points) 1px solid #AAAAAA #FFFFCC Overtime/Shootout Loss (1 point) 1px solid #AAAAAA Stanley Cup playoffs 2009 Stanley Cup playoffs The Bruins clinched a playoff spot for the second consecutive season, securing top seed in the Eastern Conference in the process and gaining home-ice advantage through the first three rounds.Bruins clinch top spot in East by beating Rangers http://www.nhl.com/ice/news.htm?id=416685 2009-04-04 2009-04-04 NHL.com https://web.archive.org/web/20090408054305/http://www.nhl.com/ice/news.htm?id=416685 2009-04-08 dead Eastern Conference Quarterfinals Boston played the eighth-seeded Montreal Canadiens in the first round of the playoffs. Boston had previously lost to Montreal in three consecutive playoff appearances and had not won a playoff series overall in the previous ten seasons. The Bruins won the first game of the series 4–2, with goals from Phil Kessel, David Krejci and a powerplay winner from Zdeno Chara. In Game 2, Marc Savard had two goals and an assist, while Chuck Kobasew, Shane Hnidy – named as a replacement for the injured Matt HunwickHnidy steps in for Hunwick http://www.nhl.com/ice/news.htm?id=419034 https://web.archive.org/web/20100108044401/http://www.nhl.com/ice/news.htm?id=419034 dead January 8, 2010 2009-04-19 2009-04-19 NHL.comBruins' Hunwick has surgery for ruptured spleen http://www.nhl.com/ice/news.htm?id=418940 https://web.archive.org/web/20090421024811/http://www.nhl.com/ice/news.htm?id=418940 dead April 21, 2009 2009-04-18 2009-04-18 NHL.com – and Michael Ryder also scored as the Bruins won 5–1. Milan Lucic was suspended for Game 3 after receiving a match penalty in the closing stages of game two for striking Montreal's Maxim Lapierre in the head with his stick.Bruins' Lucic suspended for one game http://www.nhl.com/ice/news.htm?id=419078 https://web.archive.org/web/20090421035626/http://www.nhl.com/ice/news.htm?id=419078 dead April 21, 2009 2009-04-19 2009-04-19 NHL.com Boston then travelled to Montreal for Game 3, where they secured another 4–2 victory with goals by Kessel, Ryder, Kobasew and Shawn Thornton. They completed the sweep by winning Game 4, Michael Ryder posting two goals and an assist in the 4–1 victory as the Bruins advanced to the semi-finals for the first time since the 1998–99 season. This marked only the third time that Boston had swept Montreal in the playoffs in history, and the first time since 1992. The only time Boston swept Montreal in the playoffs and closed out the series in Montreal was in 1929, and that season, Boston went on to win the Stanley Cup. Eastern Conference semifinals Boston faced the Carolina Hurricanes, a franchise which carried the legacy of Boston's longtime rival the Hartford Whalers. Prior to the Bruins' first-round sweep of Montreal, their most recent playoff series victory had been against Carolina in April 1999. The Bruins extended their 5-game winning streak with a 4–1 victory in Game 1, but Carolina stormed back on the strength of an aggressive forecheck and excellent goaltending from Cam Ward. Ward's shutout in Game 2, and Jussi Jokinen's game-winning goals in the next two matches, pushed the Bruins to the brink of elimination. Boston recovered for consecutive wins to push the series to a pivotal seventh game, but the Hurricanes prevailed in overtime of the final contest. The series-winning goal was scored by Scott Walker, who earlier in the series had avoided punishment for an undefended punch to the face of former Hurricane Aaron Ward. Walker had been due for an automatic suspension, but that penalty was overturned by the NHL after a brief meeting in which he claimed to have thought Ward was prepared to fight. Ward disputed that account and publicly reprimanded the NHL for failing to follow through with a full investigation. In addition, Walker's wife received a diagnosis of cervical cancer midway through the series, lending an additional element of personal drama to his performance. After the series, Walker took public responsibility for striking Ward and expressed relief that his wife's cancer was treatable. Playoff log 2009 Stanley Cup playoffs Eastern Conference quarterfinals vs E8 Montreal Canadiens: 4–0 (home: 2–0; road: 2–0) # Date Visitor Score Home OT Boston goals Montreal goals Decision Attendance Series Recap1April 16Montreal Canadiens2–4Boston BruinsKessel (2), Krejci, CharaHiggins, KovalevThomas17,5651–02April 18Montreal Canadiens1–5Boston BruinsSavard (2), Kobasew, Hnidy, RyderKovalevThomas17,5652–03April 20Boston Bruins4–2Montreal CanadiensKessel, Thornton, Ryder, KobasewHiggins, WeberThomas21,2733–04April 22Boston Bruins4–1Montreal CanadiensRyder (2), Krejci, KesselA. KostitsynThomas21,2734–0 Eastern Conference semifinals vs E6 Carolina Hurricanes: 3–4 (home: 2–2; road: 1–2) # Date Visitor Score Home OT Boston goals Carolina goals Decision Attendance Series Recap1May 1Carolina Hurricanes1–4Boston BruinsWard, Savard (2), RyderJokinenThomas17,5651–02May 3Carolina Hurricanes3–0Boston BruinsCorvo, Cullen, E. StaalThomas17,5651–13May 6Boston Bruins2–3Carolina Hurricanes2:48Lucic, RecchiE. Staal, Samsonov, JokinenThomas18,6801–24May 8Boston Bruins1–4Carolina HurricanesSavardE. Staal (2), Jokinen, SamsonovThomas18,8781–35May 10Carolina Hurricanes0–4Boston BruinsRecchi, Kessel (2), Lucic Thomas17,5652–3 6May 12Boston Bruins4–2Carolina Hurricanes Recchi, Montador, Savard, KobasewCullen, SamsanovThomas18,6803–37May 14Carolina Hurricanes3–2Boston Bruins18:46Bitz, Lucic Brind'Amour, Samsonov, WalkerThomas17,5653–4 Scorer of game-winning goal in italics Player statistics Skaters Note: GP = Games played; G = Goals; A = Assists; Pts = Points; +/- = Plus–minus; PIM = Penalty minutes Regular season http://bruins.nhl.com/team/app?service=page&page=Stats 2008-2009 Regular Season 2009-04-12 Stats BostonBruins.com https://web.archive.org/web/20090227054233/http://bruins.nhl.com/team/app?service=page&page=Stats 27 February 2009 dead Playoffshttp://bruins.nhl.com/team/app?gameType=3&page=Stats&season=20082009&service=page 2008-2009 Playoffs 2009-05-12 Stats BostonBruins.com https://archive.today/20090611035611/http://bruins.nhl.com/team/app?gameType=3&page=Stats&season=20082009&service=page 2009-06-11 dead Player GP G A Pts +/- PIM GP G A Pts +/- PIM Marc Savard 82 25 63 88 25 70 11 6 7 13 2 4 David Krejci David Krejčí 82 22 51 73 37 26 11 2 6 8 6 2 Phil Kessel Phil Kessel 70 36 24 60 23 16 11 6 5 11 7 4 Michael Ryder 74 27 26 53 28 26 11 5 8 13 4 8 Dennis Wideman 79 13 37 50 32 34 11 0 7 7 3 4 Zdeno Chara Zdeno Chára 80 19 31 50 23 95 11 1 3 4 1 12 Blake Wheeler 81 21 24 45 36 46 8 0 0 0 0 0 Chuck Kobasew 68 21 21 42 5 56 11 3 3 6 3 14 Milan Lucic 72 17 25 42 17 136 10 3 6 9 12 43 Patrice Bergeron 64 8 31 39 2 16 11 0 5 5 3 11 P. J. Axelsson 75 6 24 30 -1 16 11 0 1 1 -6 2 Matt Hunwick 53 6 21 27 15 31 1 0 0 0 0 0 Stephane Yelle Stéphane Yelle 77 7 11 18 6 32 11 0 1 1 -4 2 Mark Stuart Mark Stuart (ice hockey) 82 5 12 17 20 76 11 0 1 1 5 7 Mark Recchi† 18 10 6 16 -3 2 11 3 3 6 0 2 Andrew Ference 47 1 15 16 7 40 3 0 0 0 1 4 Marco Sturm 19 7 6 13 9 8 Shane Hnidy 65 3 9 12 6 45 7 1 0 1 -1 0 Shawn Thornton 79 6 5 11 -2 123 10 1 0 1 0 6 Aaron Ward Aaron Ward (ice hockey) 65 3 7 10 16 44 11 1 0 1 4 2 Byron Bitz 35 4 3 7 0 18 5 1 1 2 0 2 Vladimir Sobotka Vladimír Sobotka 25 1 4 5 -10 10 Martin St. Pierre Martin St. Pierre (ice hockey) 14 2 2 4 -1 4 Petteri Nokelainen‡ 33 0 3 3 -1 10 Steve Montador† 13 0 1 1 3 18 11 1 2 3 5 18 Matt Lashoff‡ 16 0 1 1 1 10 Martins Karsums Mārtiņš Karsums‡ 6 0 1 1 -3 0 Tim Thomas Tim Thomas (ice hockey, born 1974) (G) 54 0 1 1 — 6 11 0 1 1 — 0 Manny Fernandez Manny Fernandez (ice hockey) (G) 28 0 0 0 — 2 Mikko Lehtonen Mikko Lehtonen (ice hockey b. 1987) 1 0 0 0 0 0 Johnny Boychuk 1 0 0 0 0 0 Totals — 270 465 735 60 http://www.nhl.com/ice/teamstats.htm?fetchKey=20092BOSAAAAll&sort=plusMinus&viewName=plusMinusTeam https://web.archive.org/web/20121009192250/http://www.nhl.com/ice/teamstats.htm?fetchKey=20092BOSAAAAll&sort=plusMinus&viewName=plusMinusTeam dead October 9, 2012 Team Stats 2008-2009 Regular Season 2009-04-22 NHL.com 1016 — 34 60 94 9http://www.nhl.com/ice/teamstats.htm?fetchKey=20093BOSAAAAll&viewName=plusMinusTeam&sort=plusMinus Team Stats 2008-2009 Playoffs 2009-05-12 NHL.com https://web.archive.org/web/20121010075801/http://www.nhl.com/ice/teamstats.htm?fetchKey=20093BOSAAAAll&viewName=plusMinusTeam&sort=plusMinus 2012-10-10 dead 147 †Denotes player spent time with another team before joining Bruins. Stats reflect time with the Bruins only. ‡Denotes player was traded mid-season. (G)Denotes goaltender. Goaltenders Note: GPI = Games Played In; MIN = Minutes played; GAA = Goals against average; W = Wins; L = Losses; OT = Overtime/shootout losses; SO = Shutouts; SA = Shots Against; GA = Goals against; SV% = Save percentage Regular season Playoffs Player GPI MIN GAA W L OT SO SA GA SV% GPI MIN GAA W L OT SO SA GA SV% Tim Thomas Tim Thomas (ice hockey, born 1974) 5432592.103611751694114.933 116801.85740132321.935 Manny Fernandez Manny Fernandez (ice hockey) 2816442.591683179171.910 Tuukka Rask 1600.0010013501.000 Combined — — 2.26 53 19 10 7 2520 185 .927 ——1.85740132321.935 Awards and records Milestones Regular season milestones Player Milestone Reached Blake Wheeler 1st NHL game1st NHL goal1st NHL point October 9, 2008 Michael Ryder 100th NHL goal October 9, 2008 Aaron Ward 700th NHL game October 15, 2008 Manny Fernandez 300th NHL appearance October 21, 2008 Milan Lucic 1st NHL hat trick October 25, 2008 Blake Wheeler 1st NHL assist November 1, 2008 Blake Wheeler 1st NHL hat trick November 6, 2008 Zdeno Chara 700th NHL game November 6, 2008 Matt Hunwick 1st NHL goal November 17, 2008 Marc Savard 600th NHL point November 19, 2008 Patrice Bergeron 200th NHL point November 19, 2008 Dennis Wideman 100th NHL point December 8, 2008 Martins Karsums 1st NHL game December 13, 2008 Phil Kessel 100th NHL point December 18, 2008 David Krejci 1st NHL hat trick December 18, 2008 Marc Savard 700th NHL game January 8, 2009 P. J. Axelsson 100th NHL goal January 8, 2009 Byron Bitz 1st NHL game1st NHL assist January 10, 2009 Martins Karsums 1st NHL assist January 10, 2009 Zdeno Chara 200th NHL assist January 10, 2009 Tuukka Rask 1st NHL shutout January 31, 2009 Phil Kessel 200th NHL game February 7, 2009 Byron Bitz 1st NHL goal February 7, 2009 Andrew Ference 500th NHL game February 21, 2009 Tim Thomas 100th NHL win February 26, 2009 Zdeno Chara 100th NHL goal February 28, 2009 Patrice Bergeron 300th NHL game April 2, 2009 Mikko Lehtonen 1st NHL game April 11, 2009 The Bruins' 5–1 win against the Carolina Hurricanes, on February 17, 2009, was the 200th NHL winning game coached, for current Bruins coach Claude Julien. The Bruins' 5–4 overtime win against the Montreal Canadiens, on April 9, 2009, was the 400th NHL game coached, for current Bruins coach Claude Julien. Playoff milestones Player Milestone Reached Mark Recchi 150th playoff game50th playoff goal May 12, 2009 Byron Bitz 1st playoff goal May 14, 2009 Awards Player Award Notes Claude Julien Jack Adams Awardhttp://www.nhl.com/ice/news.htm?id=426026 NHL Awards Show 2009-06-18 NHL.com https://web.archive.org/web/20090622062603/http://www.nhl.com/ice/news.htm?id=426026 2009-06-22 dead Awarded to the coach adjudged to have contributed the most to his team's success. Zdeno Chara James Norris Memorial Trophy Awarded to the defenseman who demonstrates the greatest all-round ability in the position. Tim Thomas Vezina Trophy Awarded to the goaltender who is adjudged to be the best at this position. Tim ThomasManny Fernandez William M. Jennings Trophyhttp://bruins.nhl.com/team/app/?service=page&page=NewsPage&articleid=418003 Thomas & Fernandez Win Jennings Trophy Bruins.com 2009-04-12 https://web.archive.org/web/20090416022330/http://bruins.nhl.com/team/app/?service=page&page=NewsPage&articleid=418003 2009-04-16 dead 2009-05-11 Awarded to the goalkeeper(s) playing for the team that conceded the fewest goals. Patrice Bergeron Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy nomineehttp://www.nhl.com/ice/news.htm?id=416040 Alfredsson, Bergeron, Brisebois, Numminen, White are Masterton nominees NHL.com 2009-03-31 5 April 2009 https://web.archive.org/web/20090404084705/http://www.nhl.com/ice/news.htm?id=416040 4 April 2009 dead Nominated by the Writers' Association for league-wide recognition. Zdeno CharaTim Thomas NHL First All-Star Teamhttp://www.nhl.com/ice/news.htm?id=426040 NHL announces 2008-09 All-Star teams NHL.com 2009-06-18 19 June 2009 https://web.archive.org/web/20090620193749/http://www.nhl.com/ice/news.htm?id=426040 20 June 2009 dead Voted by representatives of the Professional Hockey Writers' Association. Milan Lucic NHL.com Fans' Choice Awardhttp://www.nhl.com/ice/news.htm?id=417597 Oshie, Lucic, MacDonald snag Fans' Choice Awards NHL.com 2009-04-10 https://web.archive.org/web/20090414040941/http://www.nhl.com/ice/news.htm?id=417597 2009-04-14 dead 2009-05-11 Hit of the Season - as voted on by users at NHL.com. On April 4, prior to the game against the New York Rangers, the team announced its award winners for the season.http://bruins.nhl.com/team/app?articleid=416682&page=NewsPage&service=page B's Announce Award Winners Bruins.com 2009-04-04 2009-04-04 https://web.archive.org/web/20090408075247/http://bruins.nhl.com/team/app/?service=page&page=NewsPage&articleid=416682 2009-04-08 dead Player Award Notes David Krejci NESN Seventh Player Award Awarded to the player who exceeded the expectations of Bruins fans during the season. Milan Lucic Eddie Shore Award Awarded to the player who exhibits exceptional hustle and determination. Marc Savard Elizabeth C. Dufresne Trophy Awarded by the Boston Chapter of the PHWA, for outstanding performance during home games. Aaron Ward John P. Bucyk Award Awarded to the Bruin with the greatest off-ice charitable contributions. Marc SavardZdeno CharaTim Thomas Three Star Awards Awarded to the top performers at home over the course of the season. Transactions Trades May 27, 2008 To Columbus Blue Jackets Jonathan Sigalet To Boston Bruins Matt Marquardt June 21, 2008 To Columbus Blue Jackets 4th-round pick in 20085th-round pick in 2008 To Boston Bruins 4th-round pick in 2008 June 24, 2008 To Colorado Avalanche Matt Hendricks To Boston Bruins Johnny Boychuk July 24, 2008 To Chicago Blackhawks Pascal Pelletier To Boston Bruins Martin St. Pierre October 13, 2008 To Philadelphia Flyers Andrew Alberts To Boston Bruins Ned Lukacevic4th-round pick in 2009 March 4, 2009 To Anaheim Ducks Petteri Nokelainen To Boston Bruins Steve Montador March 4, 2009 To Tampa Bay Lightning Matt LashoffMartins Karsums To Boston Bruins Mark Recchi2nd-round pick in 2010 Free agents Player Former team Michael Ryder Montreal Canadiens Blake Wheeler Phoenix Coyotes Stephane Yelle Calgary Flames Claimed from waivers Player Former team Date claimed off waivers Draft picks Boston's picks at the 2008 NHL entry draft in Ottawa, Ontario. Round # Player Position Nationality College/junior/club team (league) 1 16 Joe Colborne Center Canada Camrose Kodiaks (AJHL) 2 47 Maxime Sauve Center France Val-d'Or Foreurs (QMJHL) 3 77 Michael Hutchinson Goaltender Canada Barrie Colts (OHL) 4 97 Jamie Arniel Center Canada Sarnia Sting (OHL) 6 173 Nicholas Tremblay Center Canada Smiths Falls Bears (CJHL) 7 197 Mark Goggin Center United States Choate-Rosemary (HIGH-CT) Affiliates American Hockey League – Providence Bruins (standings) Johnny Boychuk was selected as a starter for Team Canada in the 2009 AHL All Star Classic. Martins Karsums was selected as a reserve for the PlanetUSA team. Both players were under two-way NHL contracts and played games with Boston during the season. In the game, Karsums, named as a late starter, scored two goals and three assists.https://theahl.com/stats/game-summary/1005945 Game Summary ASG-2009 American Hockey League January 26, 2009 January 27, 2009 https://web.archive.org/web/20090201020714/http://stats.theahl.com/stats/game-summary.php?game_id=1005945 February 1, 2009 live mdy-all References 2 Category:Boston Bruins seasons Boston Bruins Boston Bruins Boston Bruins Bruins Bruins