2009 Stanley Cup playoffs

none July 2012 Stanley Cup playoffs 2009 Stanley Cup Playoffs.svg 2009 April 15–June 12, 2009 16 Detroit Red Wings Pittsburgh Penguins Detroit Red Wings Scoring leader(s) Evgeni Malkin (Penguins) 36 points MVP Evgeni Malkin (Penguins) 2008 2010 The 2009 Stanley Cup playoffs of the National Hockey League began on April 15, 2009, after the 2008–09 regular season. The sixteen teams that qualified, eight from each conference (the winner of each of the three divisions plus the five teams with highest point totals from the teams remaining), played a best-of-seven series for the conference quarterfinals, semifinals, and championships, and then the conference champions played a best-of-seven series for the Stanley Cup. The Columbus Blue Jackets made their first appearance in the playoffs in their nine-year history. Previously they had been the only franchise never to have made the playoffs. Also, home teams set a record by going 13–2 in the openers of all the series combined. There were no playoff games played in the Province of Ontario as this was the first time that the modern Ottawa Senators and the Toronto Maple Leafs both missed the playoffs in the same year. This was the most recent time that the Carolina Hurricanes were in the playoffs until 2019. The Stanley Cup Finals ended on June 12, 2009, with the Pittsburgh Penguins defeating the Detroit Red Wings four games to three to win their third Stanley Cup championship in franchise history. They became just the second team, after the 1970–71 Montreal Canadiens, to win the championship after losing the first two games of the series on the road.CBC Sports Staff Penguins' Talbot cements reputation as big-game player http://www.cbc.ca/sports/hockey/hnicplayoff/2009/06/penguins_talbot_cements_reputa.html June 13, 2009 CBC Sports June 15, 2009 https://web.archive.org/web/20090617203818/http://www.cbc.ca/sports/hockey/hnicplayoff/2009/06/penguins_talbot_cements_reputa.html June 17, 2009 live mdy Playoff seeds right|175px|thumb|The Stanley Cup The top eight teams in each conference qualified for the playoffs. The top three seeds in each conference were awarded to the division winners; while the five remaining spots were awarded to the highest finishers in their respective conferences. The following teams qualified for the playoffs: Eastern Conference Boston Bruins, Northeast Division champions, Eastern Conference regular season champions – 116 points Washington Capitals, Southeast Division champions – 108 points New Jersey Devils, Atlantic Division champions – 106 points Pittsburgh Penguins – 99 points (45 wins) Philadelphia Flyers – 99 points (44 wins) Carolina Hurricanes – 97 points New York Rangers – 95 points Montreal Canadiens – 93 points Western Conference San Jose Sharks, Pacific Division champions, Western Conference regular season champions, President's Trophy winners – 117 points Detroit Red Wings, Central Division champions – 112 points Vancouver Canucks, Northwest Division champions – 100 points Chicago Blackhawks – 104 points Calgary Flames – 98 points St. Louis Blues – 92 points (41 wins, 8 points head-to-head vs. Columbus) Columbus Blue Jackets – 92 points (41 wins, 2 points head-to-head vs. St. Louis) Anaheim Ducks – 91 points Playoff bracket In each round, teams competed in a best-of-seven series following a 2–2–1–1–1 format (scores in the bracket indicate the number of games won in each best-of-seven series). The team with home ice advantage played at home for games one and two (and games five and seven, if necessary), and the other team played at home for games three and four (and game six, if necessary). The top eight teams in each conference made the playoffs, with the three division winners seeded 1–3 based on regular season record, and the five remaining teams seeded 4–8. The NHL used "re-seeding" instead of a fixed bracket playoff system. During the first three rounds, the highest remaining seed in each conference was matched against the lowest remaining seed, the second-highest remaining seed played the second-lowest remaining seed, and so forth. The higher-seeded team was awarded home ice advantage. The two conference winners then advanced to the Stanley Cup Finals, where home ice advantage was awarded to the team that had the better regular season record. main Bracket 0 Eastern Conference Western Conference Conference quarterfinals Conference semifinals Conference finals Stanley Cup Finals 1 Boston 4 8 Montreal 0 3 New Jersey 3 6 Carolina 4 2 Washington 4 7 NY Rangers 3 4 Pittsburgh 4 5 Philadelphia 2 1 San Jose 2 8 Anaheim 4 2 Detroit 4 7 Columbus 0 3 Vancouver 4 6 St. Louis 0 4 Chicago 4 5 Calgary 2 1 Boston 3 6 Carolina 4 2 Washington 3 4 Pittsburgh 4 2 Detroit 4 8 Anaheim 3 3 Vancouver 2 4 Chicago 4 6 Carolina 0 4 Pittsburgh 4 2 Detroit 4 4 Chicago 1 E4 Pittsburgh 4 W2 Detroit 3 Conference quarterfinals Eastern Conference quarterfinals (1) Boston Bruins vs. (8) Montreal Canadiens For an NHL-record 32nd time, the Bruins and Canadiens faced each other in the playoffs. The Boston Bruins entered the playoffs after finishing the regular season with the best record in the Eastern Conference with 116 points. The Montreal Canadiens qualified for the postseason as the eighth seed with 93 points, winning the tiebreaker over the Florida Panthers based on the season series (six points to three). Boston swept Montreal, scoring at least four goals in each win. With the score tied 2–2 entering the third period of Game 1, Bruins captain Zdeno Chara scored a power play goal at 11:15 and Phil Kessel added an empty net score in the closing seconds to clinch the victory.Bruins top Canadiens 4-2 in opener Shawn P. Roarke https://www.nhl.com/gamecenter/mtl-vs-bos/2009/04/16/2008030111 April 16, 2009 NHL.com April 23, 2009 April 20, 2009 https://web.archive.org/web/20090420015617/http://www.nhl.com/ice/recap.htm?id=2008030111 live Boston scored three power play goals, including two from Marc Savard, en route to a 5–1 victory in Game 2.Bruins bash Canadiens 5-1 in Game 2 Shawn P. Roarke https://www.nhl.com/gamecenter/mtl-vs-bos/2009/04/18/2008030112 April 18, 2009 NHL.com April 23, 2009 https://web.archive.org/web/20090422012301/http://www.nhl.com/ice/recap.htm?id=2008030112 April 22, 2009 live Game 3 resembled the first game in that both teams fought to a 2–2 tie midway through the game, but like the first contest the Bruins scored the go-ahead winning goal again. This time it was Michael Ryder at 17:21 in the second period.Ryder's goal leaves Habs in 3-0 hole Shawn P. Roarke https://www.nhl.com/gamecenter/bos-vs-mtl/2009/04/20/2008030113 April 20, 2009 NHL.com April 23, 2009 https://web.archive.org/web/20090424032431/http://www.nhl.com/ice/recap.htm?id=2008030113 April 24, 2009 live Montreal scored in the first minute of Game 4 off the stick of Andrei Kostitsyn, but Boston went on to dominate the rest of the game, grabbing two goals from Ryder in a 4–1 victory, to win the series.Bruins close out Canadiens Shawn P. Roarke https://www.nhl.com/gamecenter/bos-vs-mtl/2009/04/22/2008030114 April 22, 2009 NHL.com April 23, 2009 April 26, 2009 https://web.archive.org/web/20090426035148/http://www.nhl.com/ice/recap.htm?id=2008030114 live Montreal Canadiens Boston Bruins Bell Centre TD Banknorth Garden April 16 2–4 2 www.nhl.com/scores/htmlreports/20082009/GS030111.HTM Chris Higgins (1) – 16:19 13:11 – Phil Kessel (1)14:41 – David Krejci (1) Alexei Kovalev (1) – 17:37 No scoring No scoring 11:15 – pp – Zdeno Chara (1)19:46 – en – Phil Kessel (2) Carey Price 35 saves / 38 shots Tim Thomas 26 saves / 28 shots April 18 1–5 2 www.nhl.com/scores/htmlreports/20082009/GS030112.HTM No scoring 09:59 – pp – Marc Savard (1)15:12 – Chuck Kobasew (1) Alexei Kovalev (2) – 00:46 05:45 – Shane Hnidy (1)08:13 – pp – Marc Savard (2)19:57 – pp – Michael Ryder (1) No scoring No scoring Carey Price 21 saves / 26 shotsJaroslav Halak 5 saves / 5 shots Tim Thomas 30 saves / 31 shots April 20 4–2 2 www.nhl.com/scores/htmlreports/20082009/GS030113.HTM 11:52 – Chris Higgins (2) Phil Kessel (3) – 18:35 05:16 – Yannick Weber (1) Shawn Thornton (1) – 03:36Michael Ryder (2) – 17:21 No scoring Chuck Kobasew (2) – en – 19:23 Carey Price 26 saves / 29 shots Tim Thomas 23 saves / 25 shots April 22 4–1 2 www.nhl.com/scores/htmlreports/20082009/GS030114.HTM 00:39 – Andrei Kostitsyn (1) Michael Ryder (3) – 17:27David Krejci (2) – 19:25 No scoring Phil Kessel (4) – 11:58Michael Ryder (4) – 12:43 No scoring No scoring Carey Price 26 saves / 30 shots Tim Thomas 26 saves / 27 shots Boston won series 4–0 (2) Washington Capitals vs. (7) New York Rangers The Washington Capitals entered the playoffs as the second seed in the Eastern Conference after winning the Southeast Division with 108 points. The New York Rangers earned the seventh seed with 95 points. The teams met in the playoffs four times previously, with each winning two series. They last met in the 1994 Eastern Conference semifinals, which the Rangers won in five games. The Capitals overcame a 3-1 series deficit to defeat the Rangers in seven games. The Rangers won the first game by a 4–3 score, with Brandon Dubinsky scoring the game winner at 11:43 in the third period.Rangers 4, Capitals 3 Dan Rosen https://www.nhl.com/gamecenter/nyr-vs-wsh/2009/04/15/2008030121 April 15, 2009 NHL.com May 17, 2009 https://web.archive.org/web/20090805073715/http://www.nhl.com/ice/recap.htm?id=2008030121 August 5, 2009 live mdy Capitals head coach Bruce Boudreau benched starting goaltender Jose Theodore and replaced him with Semyon Varlamov for Game 2, after Theodore allowed four goals on just 21 shots.Rangers 1, Capitals 0 Dan Rosen https://www.nhl.com/gamecenter/nyr-vs-wsh/2009/04/18/2008030122 April 18, 2009 NHL.com May 17, 2009 https://web.archive.org/web/20090805204315/http://www.nhl.com/ice/recap.htm?id=2008030122 August 5, 2009 live mdy The goaltending change was not immediately effective as New York netminder Henrik Lundqvist stopped all 35 Washington shots to give the Rangers a 1–0 victory (with Ryan Callahan providing the only tally) in the following game. Varlamov responded in game three by stopping all 33 Ranger shots, and Alexander Semin scored two goals to lead the Capitals to a 4–0 victory.Semin, Varlamov pace Caps to 4-0 win Dan Rosen https://www.nhl.com/gamecenter/wsh-vs-nyr/2009/04/20/2008030123 April 20, 2009 NHL.com May 17, 2009 April 24, 2009 https://web.archive.org/web/20090424032441/http://www.nhl.com/ice/recap.htm?id=2008030123 live However, Lundqvist stopped 38 of 39 shots, including 10 of 11 from the stick of Alexander Ovechkin, to give the Rangers a 2–1 victory in Game 4.Lundqvist has Rangers on brink of ousting Caps Dan Rosen https://www.nhl.com/gamecenter/wsh-vs-nyr/2009/04/22/2008030124 April 22, 2009 NHL.com May 17, 2009 April 26, 2009 https://web.archive.org/web/20090426035158/http://www.nhl.com/ice/recap.htm?id=2008030124 live The Capitals limited the Rangers to just 20 shots to win 4–0 in Game 5. Fourth liner Matt Bradley scored two goals in the game and Lundquist was pulled after allowing four goals on 14 shots.Caps force Game 6 with 4-0 win over Rangers Dan Rosen https://www.nhl.com/gamecenter/nyr-vs-wsh/2009/04/24/2008030125 April 24, 2009 NHL.com May 17, 2009 https://web.archive.org/web/20090428063638/http://www.nhl.com/ice/recap.htm?id=2008030125 April 28, 2009 live Rangers head coach John Tortorella was suspended for Game 6 due to getting into an altercation with Capitals fans that saw him throw a water bottle at a heckler; Jim Schoenfeld (who ironically had once been suspended for a game during the Stanley Cup playoffs in 1988 due to an altercation) served as coach for Game 6.Klein Jeff Z. 2009-04-26 No Tortorella and No Spark for Rangers in Game 6 Loss https://www.nytimes.com/2009/04/27/sports/hockey/27rangers.html 2024-03-16 The New York Times en-US 0362-4331 March 16, 2024 https://web.archive.org/web/20240316020650/https://www.nytimes.com/2009/04/27/sports/hockey/27rangers.html live Washington erupted in Game 6 to score five goals, including powerplay markers from Mike Green and Ovechkin, for a 5–3 victory.Capitals force seventh game with win over Rangers Dan Rosen https://www.nhl.com/gamecenter/wsh-vs-nyr/2009/04/26/2008030126 April 26, 2009 NHL.com May 17, 2009 April 29, 2009 https://web.archive.org/web/20090429114136/http://www.nhl.com/ice/recap.htm?id=2008030126 live After Game 6, the league suspended Capitals forward Donald Brashear for both a pre-game altercation with Rangers forward Colton Orr and what was ruled to be a late hit on Blair Betts, in which the Rangers center suffered an orbital eye socket fracture.Caps' Brashear out six games http://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/playoffs/2009/news?id=4105737 April 28, 2009 ESPN.com April 29, 2009 https://web.archive.org/web/20090430062654/http://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/playoffs/2009/news?id=4105737 April 30, 2009 dead Sergei Fedorov scored the game-winning goal 15:01 into the third period in Game 7 to give the Capitals a 2–1 victory and eliminate the Rangers for their first playoff series victory since reaching the Stanley Cup Finals in 1998.Fedorov's goal gives Caps Game 7 victory Dan Rosen https://www.nhl.com/gamecenter/nyr-vs-wsh/2009/04/28/2008030127 April 28, 2009 NHL.com May 17, 2009 May 3, 2009 https://web.archive.org/web/20090503013155/http://www.nhl.com/ice/recap.htm?id=2008030127 live New York Rangers Washington Capitals Madison Square Garden Verizon Center April 15 www.nhl.com/ice/recap.htm?id=2008030121 4–3 1 No scoring No scoring Scott Gomez (1) – 07:49Nik Antropov (1) – pp – 16:49Markus Naslund (1) – pp – 18:28 06:40 – pp – Tomas Fleischmann (1)19:11 – Viktor Kozlov (1) Brandon Dubinsky (1) – 11:43 01:42 – pp – Alexander Semin (1) Henrik Lundqvist 32 saves / 35 shots Jose Theodore 17 saves / 21 shots April 18 www.nhl.com/ice/recap.htm?id=2008030122 1–0 1 Ryan Callahan (1) – 07:44 No scoring No scoring No scoring No scoring No scoring Henrik Lundqvist 35 saves / 35 shots Semyon Varlamov 23 saves / 24 shots April 20 www.nhl.com/ice/recap.htm?id=2008030123 4–0 2 No scoring Alexander Semin (2) – 06:57Alexander Semin (3) – 11:36 No scoring Brooks Laich (1) – pp – 11:29 No scoring Tom Poti (1) – pp – 18:35 Henrik Lundqvist 36 saves / 40 shots Semyon Varlamov 33 saves / 33 shots April 22 www.nhl.com/ice/recap.htm?id=2008030124 1–2 1 13:55 – Paul Mara (1) No scoring 02:23 – Chris Drury (1) No scoring No scoring Alexander Ovechkin (1) – 02:13 Henrik Lundqvist 38 saves / 39 shots Semyon Varlamov 19 saves / 21 shots April 24 www.nhl.com/ice/recap.htm?id=2008030125 0–4 2 No scoring 04:58 – sh – Matt Bradley (1)12:07 – Matt Bradley (2) No scoring 04:57 – Alexander Semin (4)19:31 – Alexander Ovechkin (2) No scoring No scoring Henrik Lundqvist 10 saves / 14 shotsSteve Valiquette 7 saves / 7 shots Semyon Varlamov 20 saves / 20 shots April 26 www.nhl.com/ice/recap.htm?id=2008030126 5–3 2 08:15 – pp – Scott Gomez (2) Milan Jurcina (1) – 07:09Mike Green (1) – pp – 13:58Tom Poti (2) – 17:14 No scoring Viktor Kozlov (2) – 09:21Alexander Ovechkin (3) – pp – 16:44 04:21 – pp – Ryan Callahan (2)19:54 – Marc Staal (1) No scoring Henrik Lundqvist 15 saves / 20 shots Steve Valiquette 2 saves / 2 shots Semyon Varlamov 29 saves / 32 shots April 28 www.nhl.com/ice/recap.htm?id=2008030127 1–2 2 Nik Antropov (2) – 05:35 15:34 – Alexander Semin (5) No scoring No scoring No scoring 15:01 – Sergei Fedorov (1) Henrik Lundqvist 22 saves / 24 shots Semyon Varlamov 14 saves / 15 shots Washington won series 4–3 (3) New Jersey Devils vs. (6) Carolina Hurricanes The New Jersey Devils entered the playoffs as the third seed in the Eastern Conference after winning the Atlantic Division with 106 points. The Carolina Hurricanes earned the sixth seed with 97 points. These teams met three times previously in the playoffs, with the Hurricanes winning two series. They last met in the 2006 Eastern Conference semifinals, with the Hurricanes winning in five games. The Hurricanes defeated the Devils in seven games. New Jersey won the first game with goaltender Martin Brodeur stopping 18 of 19 shots and the Devils' top line playing phenomenally, with Zach Parise and Patrik Elias coming up with goals. .Devils 4, Hurricanes 1 Brian Compton https://www.nhl.com/gamecenter/car-vs-njd/2009/04/15/2008030131 April 15, 2009 NHL.com May 17, 2009 April 19, 2009 https://web.archive.org/web/20090419152726/http://www.nhl.com/ice/recap.htm?id=2008030131 live In game two, Tim Gleason scored 2:40 into overtime for his first goal of the season to give Carolina a 2–1 victory. The game was a goaltending battle that saw Brodeur and Cam Ward each stop over 30 shotsGleason's OT goal lifts 'Canes over Devils Brian Compton https://www.nhl.com/gamecenter/car-vs-njd/2009/04/17/2008030132 April 17, 2009 NHL.com May 17, 2009 April 21, 2009 https://web.archive.org/web/20090421024831/http://www.nhl.com/ice/recap.htm?id=2008030132 live Game 3 also went into overtime, but this time the Devils prevailed, 3–2, with Travis Zajac scoring at 4:48 into the extra period.Zajac's OT winner gives Devils edge Brian Compton https://www.nhl.com/gamecenter/njd-vs-car/2009/04/19/2008030133 April 19, 2009 NHL.com May 17, 2009 April 23, 2009 https://web.archive.org/web/20090423024244/http://www.nhl.com/ice/recap.htm?id=2008030133 live It appeared that game four would also go into overtime, but it ended with an epic conclusion. Carolina led 3–0, but New Jersey rallied to tie the game in the third. Jussi Jokinen proved to be the hero, as he scored on a deflection with 0.2 seconds remaining in regulation to give the Hurricanes a 4–3 victory.Hurricanes shock Devils 4-3 with late goal Brian Compton https://www.nhl.com/gamecenter/njd-vs-car/2009/04/21/2008030134 April 21, 2009 NHL.com May 17, 2009 April 25, 2009 https://web.archive.org/web/20090425025332/http://www.nhl.com/ice/recap.htm?id=2008030134 live This goal was the latest game winning regulation goal in Stanley Cup Playoff history.Wild finish has Devils, 'Canes all tied up Brian Compton http://www.nhl.com/ice/news.htm?id=419533&navid=DL%7cNHL%7cHome%7ctitle https://web.archive.org/web/20090512221942/http://www.nhl.com/ice/news.htm?id=419533&navid=DL%7CNHL%7CHome%7Ctitle May 12, 2009 dead June 15, 2009 The next two games of the series were shutouts: Brodeur stopped 44 shots in a 1–0 victory for the Devils in game five (with David Clarkson providing the game's sole goal),Brodeur's gem gives Devils 1-0 win over 'Canes Brian Compton https://www.nhl.com/gamecenter/car-vs-njd/2009/04/23/2008030135 April 23, 2009 NHL.com May 17, 2009 April 27, 2009 https://web.archive.org/web/20090427060320/http://www.nhl.com/ice/recap.htm?id=2008030135 live while Cam Ward stopped 28 shots and Eric Staal scored twice in a 4–0 victory for Carolina in game six.Hurricanes blank Devils, series goes distance Brian Compton https://www.nhl.com/gamecenter/njd-vs-car/2009/04/26/2008030136 April 26, 2009 NHL.com May 17, 2009 April 30, 2009 https://web.archive.org/web/20090430100547/http://www.nhl.com/ice/recap.htm?id=2008030136 live The Hurricanes were behind for much of game seven but scored two goals inside the last 1:20 of the third period, one by Jokinen and the other by Staal, to win the contest 4–3 and eliminate the Devils.Hurricanes stun Devils to win game 7 Brian Compton https://www.nhl.com/gamecenter/car-vs-njd/2009/04/28/2008030137 April 28, 2009 NHL.com May 17, 2009 May 3, 2009 https://web.archive.org/web/20090503013205/http://www.nhl.com/ice/recap.htm?id=2008030137 live Carolina Hurricanes New Jersey Devils RBC Center Prudential Center April 15 www.nhl.com/ice/recap.htm?id=2008030131 1–4 2 No scoring 16:03 – Mike Mottau (1) No scoring 00:59 – Zach Parise (1)11:33 – Patrik Elias (1) Ray Whitney (1) – 09:22 09:51 – Jamie Langenbrunner (1) Cam Ward 35 saves / 39 shots Martin Brodeur 18 saves / 19 shots April 17 www.nhl.com/ice/recap.htm?id=2008030132 2–1 1 1 Eric Staal (1) – 19:35 10:44 – Zach Parise (2) No scoring No scoring No scoring No scoring Tim Gleason (1) – 02:40 No scoring Cam Ward 33 saves / 34 shots Martin Brodeur 30 saves / 32 shots April 19 www.nhl.com/ice/recap.htm?id=2008030133 3–2 1 2 06:35 – Ryan Bayda (1) Zach Parise (3) – 06:04Brian Gionta (1) – 19:51 15:30 – Chad LaRose (1) No scoring No scoring No scoring No scoring Travis Zajac (1) – 04:58 Cam Ward 31 saves / 34 shots Martin Brodeur 28 saves / 30 shots April 21 www.nhl.com/ice/recap.htm?id=2008030134 3–4 1 07:44 – Eric Staal (2)08:47 – Ryan Bayda (2) No scoring 06:30 – Chad LaRose (2) Brian Gionta (2) – 19:32 19:59 – Jussi Jokinen (1) Brendan Shanahan (1) – 04:21David Clarkson (1) – 08:46 Cam Ward 26 saves / 29 shots Martin Brodeur 42 saves / 46 shots April 23 www.nhl.com/ice/recap.htm?id=2008030135 0–1 2 No scoring No scoring No scoring 11:22 – pp – David Clarkson (2) No scoring No scoring Cam Ward 41 saves / 42 shots Martin Brodeur 44 saves / 44 shots April 26 www.nhl.com/ice/recap.htm?id=2008030136 0–4 1 10:32 – Ray Whitney (2) No scoring 04:44 – Eric Staal (3)07:30 – Eric Staal (4) No scoring 09:12 – pp – Jussi Jokinen (2) No scoring Cam Ward 28 saves / 28 shots Martin Brodeur 33 saves / 37 shots April 28 www.nhl.com/ice/recap.htm?id=2008030137 4–3 1 Tuomo Ruutu (1) – 01:02 02:31 – Jamie Langenbrunner (2)13:27 – Jay Pandolfo (1) Ray Whitney (3) – 03:42 08:47 – pp – Brian Rolston (1) Jussi Jokinen (3) – 18:40Eric Staal (5) – 19:28 Cam Ward 32 saves / 35 shots Martin Brodeur 27 saves / 31 shots Carolina won series 4–3 (4) Pittsburgh Penguins vs. (5) Philadelphia Flyers The Pittsburgh Penguins and Philadelphia Flyers qualified for the playoffs by finishing the regular season tied with 99 points, but the Penguins earned the fourth seed because they won the tiebreaker on total wins (45–44) while the Flyers got the fifth seed. The Penguins and Flyers had previously met in the previous season's Eastern Conference Final, with the Penguins winning in five games. It was the Penguins first win against the Flyers, having lost against them in three previous series (1989, 1997 and 2000). The Penguins defeated the Flyers in six games. Sidney Crosby scored a power play goal early in the first period of game one, sparking the Penguins to a 4–1 win against an undisciplined Flyers team that took 12 penalties.Penguins 4, Flyers 1 Adam Kimelman https://www.nhl.com/gamecenter/phi-vs-pit/2009/04/15/2008030141 April 15, 2009 NHL.com April 26, 2009 April 19, 2009 https://web.archive.org/web/20090419152737/http://www.nhl.com/ice/recap.htm?id=2008030141 live In game two, Bill Guerin scored two goals including the game-winner during a five-on-three power play at 18:29 in overtime to give Pittsburgh a 3–2 victory.Penguins top Flyers on Guerin's OT goal Adam Kimelman https://www.nhl.com/gamecenter/phi-vs-pit/2009/04/17/2008030142 April 17, 2009 NHL.com April 26, 2009 April 21, 2009 https://web.archive.org/web/20090421024841/https://www.nhl.com/ice/recap.htm?id=2008030142 live The Flyers bounced back in game three with a 6–3 victory that featured two goals by Simon Gagne.Giroux, Flyers bounce back with big effort Adam Kimelman https://www.nhl.com/gamecenter/pit-vs-phi/2009/04/19/2008030143 April 19, 2009 NHL.com May 17, 2009 https://web.archive.org/web/20090422012311/http://www.nhl.com/ice/recap.htm?id=2008030143 April 22, 2009 live mdy Pittsburgh goaltender Marc-Andre Fleury stopped 45 shots and helped kill off nine Philadelphia power plays, while Tyler Kennedy scored the game winner, to give Pittsburgh a 3–1 win in Game 4.Fleury steals one for Penguins Adam Kimelman https://www.nhl.com/gamecenter/pit-vs-phi/2009/04/21/2008030144 April 21, 2009 NHL.com April 26, 2009 April 25, 2009 https://web.archive.org/web/20090425025342/http://www.nhl.com/ice/recap.htm?id=2008030144 live Flyers goaltender Martin Biron stopped all 28 shots, and Philadelphia got scoring from unlikely sources such as Arron Asham, to give the Flyers a 3–0 victory in game five.Flyers blank Penguins 3-0 to force Game 6 Adam Kimelman https://www.nhl.com/gamecenter/phi-vs-pit/2009/04/23/2008030145 April 23, 2009 NHL.com April 26, 2009 April 27, 2009 https://web.archive.org/web/20090427013719/http://www.nhl.com/ice/recap.htm?id=2008030145 live Then in game six, Philadelphia jumped to a 3–0 lead in the second period and appeared to be on their way to force a game seven. However, a fight between Philadelphia's Daniel Carcillo and Pittsburgh's Max Talbot reenergized the Penguins, who erupted to score five unanswered goals, including two by Crosby, to win the game and the series.Penguins' rally eliminates Flyers from playoffs Adam Kimelman https://www.nhl.com/gamecenter/pit-vs-phi/2009/04/25/2008030146 April 25, 2009 NHL.com April 26, 2009 April 28, 2009 https://web.archive.org/web/20090428063648/http://www.nhl.com/ice/recap.htm?id=2008030146 live Philadelphia Flyers Pittsburgh Penguins Wachovia Center Mellon Arena April 15 www.nhl.com/ice/recap.htm?id=2008030141 1–4 2 No scoring 04:41 – pp – Sidney Crosby (1) No scoring 01:39 – Tyler Kennedy (1) Simon Gagne (1) – pp – 15:25 06:28 – Evgeni Malkin (1)10:27 – Mark Eaton (1) Martin Biron 29 saves / 33 shots Marc-Andre Fleury 26 saves / 27 shots April 17 www.nhl.com/ice/recap.htm?id=2008030142 2–3 1 2 Scott Hartnell (1) – pp – 13:26 No scoring No scoring 16:38 – Bill Guerin (1) Darroll Powe (1) – 02:09 16:23 – pp – Evgeni Malkin (2) No scoring 18:29 – pp – Bill Guerin (2) Martin Biron 46 saves / 49 shots Marc-Andre Fleury 38 saves / 40 shots April 19 www.nhl.com/ice/recap.htm?id=2008030143 3–6 1 02:59 – Jeff Carter (1)05:14 – pp – Mike Richards (1) Evgeni Malkin (3) – 19:48 04:32 – Claude Giroux (1)08:58 – sh – Simon Gagne (2) Rob Scuderi (1) – 00:13 03:42 – Jared Ross (1)18:24 – en – Simon Gagne (3) Evgeni Malkin (4) – pp – 08:30 Martin Biron 26 saves / 29 shots Marc-Andre Fleury 24 saves / 29 shots April 21 www.nhl.com/ice/recap.htm?id=2008030144 3–1 2 No scoring No scoring No scoring Sidney Crosby (2) – 03:19Tyler Kennedy (2) – 07:41 11:44 – Daniel Carcillo (1) Maxime Talbot (1) – en – 19:08 Martin Biron 23 saves / 25 shots Marc-Andre Fleury 45 saves / 46 shots April 23 www.nhl.com/ice/recap.htm?id=2008030145 3–0 1 No scoring No scoring Arron Asham (1) – 06:23 No scoring Claude Giroux (2) – 03:25Mike Knuble (1) – 13:13 No scoring Martin Biron 28 saves / 28 shots Marc-Andre Fleury 23 saves / 26 shots April 25 www.nhl.com/ice/recap.htm?id=2008030146 5–3 2 17:48 – Mike Knuble (2)18:39 – Joffrey Lupul (1) No scoring 04:06 – pp – Daniel Briere (1) Ruslan Fedotenko (1) – 04:35Mark Eaton (2) – 06:32Sidney Crosby (3) – 16:59 No scoring Sergei Gonchar (1) – 02:19Sidney Crosby (4) – en – 19:32 Martin Biron 30 saves / 34 shots Marc-Andre Fleury 22 saves / 25 shots Pittsburgh won series 4–2 Western Conference quarterfinals (1) San Jose Sharks vs. (8) Anaheim Ducks The series between the Sharks and Ducks was just the second time in NHL history that two California teams were facing each other in the playoffs. The first series was in 1969 between the Los Angeles Kings and the Oakland Seals. The San Jose Sharks entered the playoffs as the Presidents' Trophy winner, earning the NHL's best regular season record with 117 points. The Anaheim Ducks earned 91 points to clinch the eighth playoff seed in the Western Conference. The Ducks defeated the Sharks in six games, to become just the second California team (after the 2000 Sharks over the St. Louis Blues) to eliminate a Presidents' Trophy winner in the first round of the playoffs. Anaheim goaltender Jonas Hiller earned two shutout victories in games one and four, stopping a total of 66 shots. Game one was deadlocked until a Scott Niedermayer powerplay goal broke the ice at 5:18 in the third, while game four was dominated by Anaheim and featured two goals from Bobby RyanDucks get jump on San Jose with 2-0 win NHL.com staff https://www.nhl.com/gamecenter/ana-vs-sjs/2009/04/16/2008030151 April 16, 2009 NHL.com May 17, 2009 https://web.archive.org/web/20090420015622/http://www.nhl.com/ice/recap.htm?id=2008030151 April 20, 2009 live mdy Ducks push Sharks to brink with 4-0 win Eric Stephens https://www.nhl.com/gamecenter/sjs-vs-ana/2009/04/23/2008030154 April 23, 2009 NHL.com May 17, 2009 April 27, 2009 https://web.archive.org/web/20090427060342/http://www.nhl.com/ice/recap.htm?id=2008030154 live Hiller also stopped 42 out of 44 shots in game two, as Drew Miller picked up the game winner,Hiller's heroics have Sharks in a hole Eric Stephens https://www.nhl.com/gamecenter/ana-vs-sjs/2009/04/19/2008030152 April 19, 2009 NHL.com May 17, 2009 https://web.archive.org/web/20090423024249/http://www.nhl.com/ice/recap.htm?id=2008030152 April 23, 2009 live mdy and 36 out of 37 shots in a game six that saw the Ducks produce powerplay goals from Corey Perry and Teemu Selanne. In total, Hiller allowed only ten goals in the series.Ducks complete upset of Sharks with 4-1 Game 6 win Eric Stephens https://www.nhl.com/gamecenter/sjs-vs-ana/2009/04/27/2008030156 April 27, 2009 NHL.com May 17, 2009 May 1, 2009 https://web.archive.org/web/20090501112825/http://www.nhl.com/ice/recap.htm?id=2008030156 live For the Sharks, Dan Boyle scored two goals in game three to give San Jose a 4–3 win in that contest,Sharks get a W thanks to vets on D Eric Stephens https://www.nhl.com/gamecenter/sjs-vs-ana/2009/04/21/2008030153 April 21, 2009 NHL.com May 17, 2009 April 25, 2009 https://web.archive.org/web/20090425025352/http://www.nhl.com/ice/recap.htm?id=2008030153 live while Patrick Marleau scored the game-winning goal in game five to give the Sharks a 3–2 overtime victory.Sharks stay alive with 3-2 overtime win Eric Stephens https://www.nhl.com/gamecenter/ana-vs-sjs/2009/04/25/2008030155 April 25, 2009 NHL.com May 17, 2009 April 29, 2009 https://web.archive.org/web/20090429114146/http://www.nhl.com/ice/recap.htm?id=2008030155 live However, back in Anaheim for game six, the Ducks grabbed goals from big-name players like Selanne and Perry, dominating the Sharks to win the game 4–1, and eliminating the Sharks. Anaheim Ducks San Jose Sharks Honda Center HP Pavilion April 16 www.nhl.com/ice/recap.htm?id=2008030151 2–0 1 No scoring No scoring No scoring No scoring Scott Niedermayer (1) – pp – 05:18Ryan Getzlaf (1) – 17:35 No scoring Jonas Hiller 35 saves / 35 shots Evgeni Nabokov 15 saves / 17 shots April 19 www.nhl.com/ice/recap.htm?id=2008030152 3–2 1 Bobby Ryan (1) – pp – 03:45 No scoring No scoring 05:38 – Ryan Clowe (1) Andrew Ebbett (1) – 09:44Drew Miller (1) – 13:17 15:54 – Jonathan Cheechoo (1) Jonas Hiller 42 saves / 44 shots Evgeni Nabokov 23 saves / 26 shots April 21 www.nhl.com/ice/recap.htm?id=2008030153 4–3 2 11:12 – pp – Bobby Ryan (2)14:50 – James Wisniewski (1) Rob Blake (1) – 05:34Dan Boyle (1) – pp – 13:07 11:50 – Chris Pronger (1) Dan Boyle (2) – 01:05 No scoring Patrick Marleau (1) – pp – 10:33 Jonas Hiller 31 saves / 35 shots Evgeni Nabokov 27 saves / 30 shots April 23 www.nhl.com/ice/recap.htm?id=2008030154 0–4 1 No scoring No scoring 06:33 – Bobby Ryan (3)10:13 – Bobby Ryan (4) No scoring 14:09 – Corey Perry (1)19:19 – en – Drew Miller (2) No scoring Jonas Hiller 31 saves / 31 shots Evgeni Nabokov 22 saves / 25 shots April 25 www.nhl.com/ice/recap.htm?id=2008030155 2–3 1 2 No scoring 07:25 – pp – Joe Thornton (1) No scoring 17:16 – Devin Setoguchi (1) Ryan Carter (1) – 00:55Corey Perry (2) – 04:42 No scoring No scoring 06:02 – Patrick Marleau (2) Jonas Hiller 45 saves / 48 shots Evgeni Nabokov 23 saves / 25 shots April 27 www.nhl.com/ice/recap.htm?id=2008030156 1–4 1 12:33 – pp – Corey Perry (3) Milan Michalek (1) – pp – 10:19 13:03 - pp - Teemu Selanne (1)14:26 - Francois Beauchemin (1) No scoring 17:06 – Ryan Getzlaf (2) No scoring Jonas Hiller 36 saves / 37 shots Evgeni Nabokov 28 saves / 32 shots Anaheim won series 4–2 (2) Detroit Red Wings vs. (7) Columbus Blue Jackets The Detroit Red Wings, the defending Stanley Cup Champions, entered the playoffs as the second overall seed in the Western Conference, having clinched the Central Division title with 112 points. The Columbus Blue Jackets qualified for the playoffs for the first time in franchise history, clinching the seventh seed with 92 points but lost the head-to-head tiebreaker with the St. Louis Blues. This was the first Western Conference playoff series played entirely within the Eastern Time Zone since the Red Wings played the Toronto Maple Leafs in the 1993 Norris Division semifinals, and this proved to be the last ever occurrence, as both of these teams were realigned into the Eastern Conference prior to the start of the 2013–14 season. The Red Wings swept the Blue Jackets in four games. Detroit scored four goals in each of the first three games of the series, while goaltender Chris Osgood only allowed two total goals out of 78 Columbus shots in those three games, including a shutout victory in game two. Jiri Hudler broke the ice at 10:48 in the second period for the game one win. Detroit picked up powerplay goals from Brian Rafalski, Niklas Kronwall, and Hudler in game two. Henrik Zetterberg scored twice in a game three victoryRed Wings 4, Blue Jackets 1 John Kreiser https://www.nhl.com/gamecenter/cbj-vs-det/2009/04/16/2008030161 April 16, 2009 NHL.com May 17, 2009 April 20, 2009 https://web.archive.org/web/20090420015627/http://www.nhl.com/ice/recap.htm?id=2008030161 liveRed Wings 4, Blue Jackets 0 Larry Wigge https://www.nhl.com/gamecenter/cbj-vs-det/2009/04/18/2008030162 April 18, 2009 NHL.com May 17, 2009 April 22, 2009 https://web.archive.org/web/20090422012316/http://www.nhl.com/ice/recap.htm?id=2008030162 liveWings top Jackets 4-1, lead series 3-0 Mike G. Morreale https://www.nhl.com/gamecenter/det-vs-cbj/2009/04/21/2008030163 April 21, 2009 NHL.com May 17, 2009 April 25, 2009 https://web.archive.org/web/20090425025402/http://www.nhl.com/ice/recap.htm?id=2008030163 live The fourth game proved to be the most competitive contest of the series. Nicklas Lidstrom scored a power play goal early in the first period to give the Red Wings the lead before Kristian Huselius tied the score about three minutes later on a power play goal of his own.Wings' late goal eliminates Jackets Mike G. Morreale https://www.nhl.com/gamecenter/det-vs-cbj/2009/04/23/2008030164 April 23, 2009 NHL.com May 17, 2009 April 27, 2009 https://web.archive.org/web/20090427060352/http://www.nhl.com/ice/recap.htm?id=2008030164 live Tomas Holmstrom and Dan Cleary then scored to give Detroit a 3–1 lead before the end of the opening period. Columbus fought to tie the score again at 5:38 of the second period with goals by Rick Nash and R. J. Umberger, but the Red Wings Marian Hossa answered with two consecutive goals to give his team a two-goal lead again. The Blue Jackets then rallied to tie the score, 5–5, by the closing minutes of the second period with scores by Kris Russell and Fredrik Modin. The third period remained scoreless until the closing minutes of regulation. With less than two minutes left, the Blue Jackets were called for too many men on the ice, which enabled Johan Franzen to score the series winning power play goal with 46.6 seconds remaining. Columbus Blue Jackets Detroit Red Wings Nationwide Arena Joe Louis Arena April 16 www.nhl.com/ice/recap.htm?id=2008030161 1–4 2 No scoring No scoring R. J. Umberger (1) – 11:40 10:48 – Jiri Hudler (1)14:21 – Jonathan Ericsson (1)15:09 – pp – Niklas Kronwall (1) No scoring 02:54 – Johan Franzen (1) Steve Mason 30 saves / 34 shots Chris Osgood 20 saves / 21 shots April 18 www.nhl.com/ice/recap.htm?id=2008030162 0–4 2 No scoring 13:13 – pp – Brian Rafalski (1) No scoring 07:18 – pp – Pavel Datsyuk (1)15:30 – Henrik Zetterberg (1) No scoring 03:38 – pp – Jiri Hudler (2) Steve Mason 35 saves / 39 shots Chris Osgood 25 saves / 25 shots April 21 www.nhl.com/ice/recap.htm?id=2008030163 4–1 2 No scoring Tomas Holmstrom (1) – 01:07Daniel Cleary (1) – 19:14 No scoring Henrik Zetterberg (2) – 13:55 16:07 – pp – R. J. Umberger (2) Henrik Zetterberg 3 – en – 19:29 Steve Mason 22 saves / 25 shots Chris Osgood 31 saves / 32 shots April 23 www.nhl.com/ice/recap.htm?id=2008030164 6–5 2 06:12 – pp – Kristian Huselius (1) Nicklas Lidstrom (1) – pp – 02:58Tomas Holmstrom (2) – 07:09Daniel Cleary (2) – 10:02 01:44 – Rick Nash (1)05:38 – pp – R. J. Umberger (3)15:45 – Kris Russell (1)18:04 – Fredrik Modin (1) Marian Hossa (1) – 06:59Marian Hossa (2) – pp – 11:26 No scoring Johan Franzen (2) – pp – 19:13 Steve Mason 35 saves / 41 shots Chris Osgood 27 saves / 32 shots Detroit won series 4–0 (3) Vancouver Canucks vs. (6) St. Louis Blues The Vancouver Canucks entered the playoffs as the third overall seed in the Western Conference, having clinched the Northwest Division title with 100 points. The St. Louis Blues qualified for the playoffs for the first time since 2004, clinching the sixth seed with 92 points and winning the head-to-head tiebreaker over the Columbus Blue Jackets. This was the third meeting in the playoffs for these two teams, the Canucks winning both previous series. They last met in the 2003 Western Conference quarterfinals, with the Canucks winning in seven games. Vancouver swept St. Louis in four games, their first sweep of a best-of-seven series in franchise history, to move on to the second round. The Canucks held off the Blues in game one, winning 2–1 by gaining goals from Daniel Sedin and Sami Salo and killing off a long Blues five-on-three power play midway through the first period.Canucks 2, Blues 1 Derek Jory https://www.nhl.com/gamecenter/stl-vs-van/2009/04/15/2008030171 April 15, 2009 NHL.com April 22, 2009 April 19, 2009 https://web.archive.org/web/20090419152747/http://www.nhl.com/ice/recap.htm?id=2008030171 live Vancouver then shut out St. Louis in game two, 3–0, with goaltender Roberto Luongo stopping all 30 Blues shots and Mats Sundin providing the game-winning goal.Luongo, Canucks blank Blues 3-0 Derek Jory https://www.nhl.com/gamecenter/stl-vs-van/2009/04/17/2008030172 April 17, 2009 NHL.com April 22, 2009 April 21, 2009 https://web.archive.org/web/20090421024851/http://www.nhl.com/ice/recap.htm?id=2008030172 live The Blues were hoping to gain momentum when the series shifted to St. Louis for game three, but Vancouver held on to a 3–2 win, scoring three power play goals, with Mattias Ohlund, Sedin, and Steve Bernier providing the man-advantage tallies.Sedins put stamp on Game 3 Larry Wigge https://www.nhl.com/gamecenter/van-vs-stl/2009/04/19/2008030173 April 19, 2009 NHL.com April 22, 2009 April 23, 2009 https://web.archive.org/web/20090423024300/http://www.nhl.com/ice/recap.htm?id=2008030173 live In game four, Brad Boyes and David Perron helped St. Louis to tie the game after falling behind early. However, Alex Burrows scored with 18.9 seconds left in the first overtime period to give the Canucks a 3–2 victory and the four-game sweep.Canucks complete sweep with 3-2 overtime win Larry Wigge https://www.nhl.com/gamecenter/van-vs-stl/2009/04/21/2008030174 April 21, 2009 NHL.com April 22, 2009 April 25, 2009 https://web.archive.org/web/20090425025407/http://www.nhl.com/ice/recap.htm?id=2008030174 live St. Louis Blues Vancouver Canucks Scottrade Center General Motors Place April 15 www.nhl.com/ice/recap.htm?id=2008030171 1–2 2 No scoring 10:03 – Daniel Sedin (1) Brad Boyes (1) – pp – 18:16 05:11 – pp – Sami Salo (1) No scoring No scoring Chris Mason 29 saves / 31 shots Roberto Luongo 25 saves / 26 shots April 17 www.nhl.com/ice/recap.htm?id=2008030172 0–3 2 No scoring 18:04 – Mats Sundin (1) No scoring No scoring No scoring 09:46 – Alex Burrows (1)18:36 – en – Henrik Sedin (1) Chris Mason 24 saves / 26 shots Roberto Luongo 30 saves / 30 shots April 19 www.nhl.com/ice/recap.htm?id=2008030173 3–2 2 03:11 – David Backes (1) No scoring 16:13 – Andy McDonald (1) Mattias Ohlund (1) – pp – 07:57Daniel Sedin (2) – pp – 10:18 No scoring Steve Bernier (1) – pp – 01:41 Chris Mason 23 saves / 26 shots Roberto Luongo 24 saves / 26 shots April 21 www.nhl.com/ice/recap.htm?id=2008030174 3–2 1 2 No scoring Kyle Wellwood (1) – 05:20 13:30 – Brad Boyes (2)16:54 – David Perron (1) Alex Burrows (2) – 09:23 No scoring No scoring No scoring Alex Burrows (3) – 19:41 Chris Mason 33 saves / 36 shots Roberto Luongo 47 saves / 49 shots Vancouver won series 4–0 (4) Chicago Blackhawks vs. (5) Calgary Flames The Chicago Blackhawks finished the regular season in second place in the Central division with 104 points and thus entered the playoffs as the fourth-overall seed in the Western Conference. The Calgary Flames earned 98 points during the regular season to finish fifth-overall in the Western Conference. Chicago made the playoffs for the first time since 2002. The two teams met in the playoffs three times previously, with the Flames winning two series. They last met in the 1996 Western Conference quarterfinals, with the Blackhawks winning in four games. Chicago won the series over Calgary in six games, with the home team winning the first five games of the series. Martin Havlat scored the game-winning goal 12 seconds into overtime to win game one for the Blackhawks, 3–2.Hawks win 3-2 on Havlat's OT goal Stuart Shea https://www.nhl.com/gamecenter/cgy-vs-chi/2009/04/16/2008030181 April 16, 2009 NHL.com April 27, 2009 April 20, 2009 https://web.archive.org/web/20090420015637/http://www.nhl.com/ice/recap.htm?id=2008030181 live Then in game two, Chicago overcame a 2-goal deficit by scoring 3 goals in the second period, including a pair from Jonathan Toews, to win 3–2.Toews, Blackhawks comeback for 3-2 win Brett Ballantini https://www.nhl.com/gamecenter/cgy-vs-chi/2009/04/18/2008030182 April 18, 2009 NHL.com April 27, 2009 April 22, 2009 https://web.archive.org/web/20090422012326/http://www.nhl.com/ice/recap.htm?id=2008030182 live When the series shifted to Calgary for game three, David Moss scored two goals to help the Flames earn a 4–2 victory.Moss strikes twice as Flames bounce back Todd Kimberley https://www.nhl.com/gamecenter/chi-vs-cgy/2009/04/20/2008030183 April 20, 2009 NHL.com April 27, 2009 April 24, 2009 https://web.archive.org/web/20090424032446/http://www.nhl.com/ice/recap.htm?id=2008030183 live In game four, Calgary scored six goals, including two by each of their top stars Jarome Iginla and Olli Jokinen, to win 6–4.Nystrom's goal gives Flames series-tying win Todd Kimberley https://www.nhl.com/gamecenter/chi-vs-cgy/2009/04/22/2008030184 April 22, 2009 NHL.com April 27, 2009 April 26, 2009 https://web.archive.org/web/20090426035209/http://www.nhl.com/ice/recap.htm?id=2008030184 live The Blackhawks responded in game five by exploding to a 5–1 victory, going up 3–0 after one period with goals from Brent Seabrook, Patrick Sharp, and Kris Versteeg, and limiting the Flames to 20 shots on goal.Hawks dump Flames 5-1 to take 3-2 series lead Mike G. Morreale https://www.nhl.com/gamecenter/cgy-vs-chi/2009/04/25/2008030185 April 25, 2009 NHL.com April 27, 2009 April 29, 2009 https://web.archive.org/web/20090429114156/http://www.nhl.com/ice/recap.htm?id=2008030185 live Chicago defeated Calgary by a score of 4–1 in game six to win the series, with Patrick Kane providing the early game winner and goaltender Nikolai Khabibulin stopping 43 out of 44 shots.Khabibulin stars as Hawks close out Flames Todd Kimberley https://www.nhl.com/gamecenter/chi-vs-cgy/2009/04/27/2008030186 April 27, 2009 NHL.com April 27, 2009 May 1, 2009 https://web.archive.org/web/20090501112836/http://www.nhl.com/ice/recap.htm?id=2008030186 live Calgary Flames Chicago Blackhawks Pengrowth Saddledome United Center April 16 www.nhl.com/ice/recap.htm?id=2008030181 2–3 1 2 David Moss (1) – 08:38 No scoring No scoring 13:17 – Cam Barker (1) Michael Cammalleri (1) – 03:54 14:27 – Martin Havlat (1) No scoring 00:12 – Martin Havlat (2) Miikka Kiprusoff 25 saves / 28 shots Nikolai Khabibulin 23 saves / 25 shots April 18 www.nhl.com/ice/recap.htm?id=2008030182 2–3 2 Jarome Iginla (1) – pp – 07:44Adrian Aucoin (1) – 16:15 No scoring No scoring 00:46 – pp – Jonathan Toews (1)13:58 – Patrick Sharp (1)19:36 – Jonathan Toews (2) Miikka Kiprusoff 30 saves / 33 shots Nikolai Khabibulin 30 saves / 32 shots April 20 www.nhl.com/ice/recap.htm?id=2008030183 2–4 1 06:40 – Eric Nystrom (1) Patrick Sharp (2) – pp – 02:03 17:07 – Rene Bourque (1) No scoring 01:18 – David Moss (2)05:24 – David Moss (3) Martin Havlat (3) – 15:35 Miikka Kiprusoff 36 saves / 38 shots Nikolai Khabibulin 24 saves / 28 shots April 22 www.nhl.com/ice/recap.htm?id=2008030184 4–6 1 05:47 – pp – Jarome Iginla (2) Patrick Kane (1) – 04:40 00:50 – Olli Jokinen (1)08:10 – Adrian Aucoin (2)09:16 – Olli Jokinen (2) Kris Versteeg (1) – pp – 12:13Cam Barker (2) – 16:44Samuel Pahlsson (1) – pp – 19:27 13:04 – Eric Nystrom (2)19:49 – en – Jarome Iginla (3) No scoring Miikka Kiprusoff 28 saves / 32 shots Nikolai Khabibulin 21 saves / 26 shots April 25 www.nhl.com/ice/recap.htm?id=2008030185 1–5 2 No scoring 09:19 – pp – Brent Seabrook (1)10:49 – Patrick Sharp (3)11:08 – Kris Versteeg (2) Dustin Boyd (1) – 02:45 06:14 – Andrew Ladd (1)14:56 – Cam Barker (3) Miikka Kiprusoff 14 saves / 18 shotsCurtis McElhinney 9 saves / 10 shots Nikolai Khabibulin 19 saves / 20 shots April 27 www.nhl.com/ice/recap.htm?id=2008030186 4–1 2 No scoring Patrick Kane (2) – pp – 02:20Adam Burish (1) – 10:11 No scoring Brian Campbell (1) – pp – 14:57 00:54 – Todd Bertuzzi (1) Dustin Byfuglien (1) – en – 19:55 Miikka Kiprusoff 12 saves / 15 shots Nikolai Khabibulin 43 saves / 44 shots Chicago won series 4–2 Conference semifinals For the first time since the 2001 playoffs, at least three Conference Semifinal series extended to seven games.Conference semifinals peak with three Game 7s http://www.nhl.com/ice/news.htm?id=422638 May 13, 2009 NHL.com May 14, 2009 May 15, 2009 https://web.archive.org/web/20090515002924/http://www.nhl.com/ice/news.htm?id=422638 dead Eastern Conference semifinals (1) Boston Bruins vs. (6) Carolina Hurricanes This was the fourth playoff meeting between these two teams, with the Bruins winning all three previous series. They last met in the 1999 Eastern Conference quarterfinals, which Boston won in six games. The Carolina Hurricanes eliminated the Boston Bruins in seven games to advance to their first Eastern Conference Final since their Stanley Cup championship season in 2006. Marc Savard scored two goals to help give the Bruins a 4–1 victory in game one,Bruins 4, Hurricanes 1 Shawn P. Roarke https://www.nhl.com/gamecenter/car-vs-bos/2009/05/01/2008030211 May 1, 2009 NHL.com May 15, 2009 May 5, 2009 https://web.archive.org/web/20090505064148/http://www.nhl.com/ice/recap.htm?id=2008030211 live but the Hurricanes won the next three games of the series. First, Carolina goaltender Cam Ward stopped all 36 shots and Matt Cullen provided a shorthanded marker in a 3–0 victory in game two.No longer perfect, Bruins fall to 'Canes Shawn P. Roarke https://www.nhl.com/gamecenter/car-vs-bos/2009/05/03/2008030212 May 3, 2009 NHL.com May 15, 2009 May 7, 2009 https://web.archive.org/web/20090507070211/http://www.nhl.com/ice/recap.htm?id=2008030212 live Next, Jussi Jokinen scored at 2:48 into overtime of game three to give the Hurricanes a 3–2 victory.Jokinen's OT goal lifts Carolina over Boston Shawn P. Roarke https://www.nhl.com/gamecenter/bos-vs-car/2009/05/06/2008030213 May 6, 2009 NHL.com May 15, 2009 May 10, 2009 https://web.archive.org/web/20090510085030/http://www.nhl.com/ice/recap.htm?id=2008030213 live In game four, Eric Staal scored two goals and Ward stopped 18 out of only 19 shots en route to a 4–1 victory.Jokinen, Staal stake 'Canes to 3-1 series lead Shawn P. Roarke https://www.nhl.com/gamecenter/bos-vs-car/2009/05/08/2008030214 May 8, 2009 NHL.com May 15, 2009 May 15, 2009 https://web.archive.org/web/20090515095852/http://www.nhl.com/ice/recap.htm?id=2008030214 live However, Phil Kessel scored two goals and goaltender Tim Thomas stopped all 19 shots to give Boston a 4–0 victory in game five.Bruins blank 'Canes, cut series deficit to 3-2 Shawn P. Roarke https://www.nhl.com/gamecenter/car-vs-bos/2009/05/10/2008030215 May 10, 2009 NHL.com May 15, 2009 May 14, 2009 https://web.archive.org/web/20090514125249/http://www.nhl.com/ice/recap.htm?id=2008030215 live Thomas then stopped 31 out of 33 shots and Mark Recchi, despite dealing with a kidney stone, provided an early game winner to help the Bruins win 4–2 in game six.Bruins even series with 4-2 victory over Hurricanes Shawn P. Roarke https://www.nhl.com/gamecenter/bos-vs-car/2009/05/12/2008030216 May 12, 2009 NHL.com May 17, 2009 May 16, 2009 https://web.archive.org/web/20090516154147/http://www.nhl.com/ice/recap.htm?id=2008030216 live The Hurricanes led game seven after two periods, but Milan Lucic tied the game at 6:19 in the third. However, Scott Walker scored the game-winning goal at 18:46 into the first overtime period to give the Hurricanes a 3–2 victory and the series.Walker's OT goal lifts 'Canes into East final Shawn P. Roarke https://www.nhl.com/gamecenter/car-vs-bos/2009/05/14/2008030217 May 14, 2009 NHL.com May 17, 2009 May 16, 2009 https://web.archive.org/web/20090516192024/http://www.nhl.com/ice/recap.htm?id=2008030217 live Carolina Hurricanes Boston Bruins RBC Center TD Banknorth Garden May 1 1–4 www.nhl.com/ice/recap.htm?id=2008030211 2 Jussi Jokinen (4) – 18:50 01:34 – Aaron Ward (1) No scoring 07:21 – Marc Savard (3)12:41 – Michael Ryder (5) No scoring 07:21 – Marc Savard (4) Cam Ward 20 saves / 24 shots Tim Thomas 26 saves / 27 shots May 3 3–0 www.nhl.com/ice/recap.htm?id=2008030212 1 No scoring No scoring Joe Corvo (1) – 02:30Matt Cullen (1) – sh – 07:32 No scoring Eric Staal (6) – en – 19:32 No scoring Cam Ward 36 saves / 36 shots Tim Thomas 22 saves / 24 shots May 6 2–3 www.nhl.com/ice/recap.htm?id=2008030213 1 1 No scoring Milan Lucic (1) - 08:43 16:49 – pp – Eric Staal (7)17:58 – Sergei Samsonov (1) No scoring No scoring Mark Recchi (1) – 09:03 02:48 – Jussi Jokinen (5) No scoring Cam Ward 21 saves / 23 shots Tim Thomas 38 saves / 41 shots May 8 1–4 www.nhl.com/ice/recap.htm?id=2008030214 1 04:54 – pp – Eric Staal (8) No scoring No scoring Marc Savard (5) – pp – 02:37 02:42 – pp – Jussi Jokinen (6)14:31 – Sergei Samsonov (2)15:41 – Eric Staal (9) No scoring Cam Ward 18 saves / 19 shots Tim Thomas 27 saves / 31 shots May 10 0–4 www.nhl.com/ice/recap.htm?id=2008030215 2 No scoring 14:48 – pp – Mark Recchi (2)18:36 – Phil Kessel (5) No scoring 04:40 – Phil Kessel (6) No scoring 12:21 – Milan Lucic (2) Cam Ward 36 saves / 40 shots Tim Thomas 19 saves / 19 shots May 12 4–2 www.nhl.com/ice/recap.htm?id=2008030216 2 No scoring Mark Recchi (3) – 02:01Steve Montador (1) – 05:04 02:49 – Matt Cullen (2) Marc Savard (6) – 08:53Chuck Kobasew (3) – 18:03 07:20 – Sergei Samsonov (3) No scoring Cam Ward 15 saves / 19 shots Tim Thomas 31 saves / 33 shots May 14 3–2 www.nhl.com/ice/recap.htm?id=2008030217 1 1 Rod Brind'Amour (1) – 13:59 07:42 – Byron Bitz (1) Sergei Samsonov (4) – 07:45 No scoring No scoring 06:19 – Milan Lucic (3) Scott Walker (1) – 18:46 No scoring Cam Ward 34 saves / 36 shots Tim Thomas 34 saves / 37 shots Carolina won series 4–3 (2) Washington Capitals vs. (4) Pittsburgh Penguins This was the eighth playoff meeting between these two teams, with the Penguins winning six of the previous seven series. They last met in the 2001 Eastern Conference quarterfinals, with the Penguins winning in seven games. The Pittsburgh Penguins advanced to their second consecutive Eastern Conference Final after defeating the Washington Capitals, 6–2, in game seven of their Conference Semifinal series. The Capitals appeared to have control of the series after winning the first two games. In game one, Washington goaltender Semyon Varlamov came up with a career-high 34 saves and Tomas Fleischmann provided a decisive third period goal in a 3–2 victory.Caps nip Pens 3-2 in series opener Dan Rosen https://www.nhl.com/gamecenter/pit-vs-wsh/2009/05/02/2008030221 May 2, 2009 NHL.com May 14, 2009 May 5, 2009 https://web.archive.org/web/20090505064157/http://www.nhl.com/ice/recap.htm?id=2008030221 live Then in game two, both the Penguins' Sidney Crosby and the Capitals' Alexander Ovechkin each earned hat tricks, but David Steckel's goal in the second period ultimately made the difference in Washington's 4–3 win.Ovechkin, Caps prevail as rivalry hits next level Dan Rosen https://www.nhl.com/gamecenter/pit-vs-wsh/2009/05/04/2008030222 May 4, 2009 NHL.com May 14, 2009 May 9, 2009 https://web.archive.org/web/20090509082341/http://www.nhl.com/ice/recap.htm?id=2008030222 live However, Pittsburgh went on to win three consecutive games. Late in the third period of game three, Evgeni Malkin appeared to have the game winning powerplay marker for the Penguins, but Nicklas Backstrom tied the game on a Washington powerplay at 18:10. Kris Letang's game-winning goal at 11:23 into overtime gave the Penguins a 3–2 win.Penguins stun Caps 3-2 on Letang's OT goal Dan Rosen https://www.nhl.com/gamecenter/wsh-vs-pit/2009/05/06/2008030223 May 6, 2009 NHL.com May 17, 2009 May 10, 2009 https://web.archive.org/web/20090510085045/http://www.nhl.com/ice/recap.htm?id=2008030223 live Pittsburgh then erupted to score three goals in the first period of game four, coming from the sticks of Sergei Gonchar, Bill Guerin, and Ruslan Fedotenko, en route to a 5–3 victory.Penguins even series with 5-3 win over Caps Dan Rosen https://www.nhl.com/gamecenter/wsh-vs-pit/2009/05/08/2008030224 May 8, 2009 NHL.com May 17, 2009 May 14, 2009 https://web.archive.org/web/20090514125440/http://www.nhl.com/ice/recap.htm?id=2008030224 live The Penguins also had another overtime victory in game five, with Evgeni Malkin scoring this time on a power play at 3:28 into the extra period for a 4–3 win.Penguins stun Caps 4-3 in overtime Dan Rosen https://www.nhl.com/gamecenter/pit-vs-wsh/2009/05/09/2008030225 May 9, 2009 NHL.com May 17, 2009 https://web.archive.org/web/20090805074523/http://www.nhl.com/ice/recap.htm?id=2008030225 August 5, 2009 live mdy The Capitals rebounded in game six with an overtime victory of their own, as David Steckel scored at 6:22 into the extra period to give Washington a 5–4 win.Steckel's OT winner extends epic series Dan Rosen https://www.nhl.com/gamecenter/wsh-vs-pit/2009/05/11/2008030226 May 11, 2009 NHL.com May 17, 2009 May 15, 2009 https://web.archive.org/web/20090515095907/http://www.nhl.com/ice/recap.htm?id=2008030226 live In the deciding seventh game of the series, Varlamov, who had posted a 2.21 GAA and two shutouts in the playoffs, was pulled in the second period as the Penguins took a 4–0 lead only 2:13 into the second period.Penguins eliminate Caps with 6-2 victory Dan Rosen https://www.nhl.com/gamecenter/pit-vs-wsh/2009/05/13/2008030227 May 13, 2009 NHL.com May 14, 2009 https://web.archive.org/web/20090805071521/http://www.nhl.com/ice/recap.htm?id=2008030227 August 5, 2009 live mdy Caps insert Theodore in Game 7 blowout http://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/playoffs/2009/news?id=4165261 May 14, 2009 The Associated Press ESPN.com May 14, 2009 https://web.archive.org/web/20090515154008/http://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/playoffs/2009/news?id=4165261 May 15, 2009 dead At the time that Varlamov was replaced by Jose Theodore, Pittsburgh had outshot Washington 18–5.This round, Caps can't escape mistakes Pierre LeBrun http://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/playoffs/2009/news?id=4165417 https://web.archive.org/web/20121104195605/http://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/playoffs/2009/news?id=4165417 dead 2012-11-04 May 14, 2009 ESPN.com May 14, 2009 The Penguins won 6–2 in dominating fashion, picking up a pair of goals from Crosby, to close out the series. Crosby finished the series with thirteen points—one fewer than Ovechkin's fourteen points, which was the highest single-series point total since the 1995 Stanley Cup playoffs.Recap http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/hockey/nhl/viewcast/2009/05/13/index.html?contestId=25038&vendorId=2009051323&pageType=recap https://web.archive.org/web/20121026145454/http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/hockey/nhl/viewcast/2009/05/13/index.html?contestId=25038&vendorId=2009051323&pageType=recap dead October 26, 2012 May 13, 2009 Sports Illustrated The Associated Press May 14, 2009 Pittsburgh Penguins Washington Capitals Mellon Arena Verizon Center May 2 2–3 www.nhl.com/ice/recap.htm?id=2008030221 2 Sidney Crosby (5) – 04:09 13:50 – Dave Steckel (1)17:03 – pp – Alexander Ovechkin (4) Mark Eaton (3) – 12:54 No scoring No scoring 01:46 – Tomas Fleischmann (2) Marc-Andre Fleury 23 saves / 26 shots Semyon Varlamov 34 saves / 36 shots May 4 3–4 www.nhl.com/ice/recap.htm?id=2008030222 2 Sidney Crosby (6) – pp – 06:38 No scoring Sidney Crosby (7) – 10:57 02:18 – Alexander Ovechkin (5)15:49 – Dave Steckel (2) Sidney Crosby (8) – pp – 19:29 12:53 – pp – Alexander Ovechkin (6)15:22 – Alexander Ovechkin (7) Marc-Andre Fleury 29 saves / 33 shots Semyon Varlamov 33 saves / 36 shots May 6 2–3 www.nhl.com/ice/recap.htm?id=2008030223 1 1 09:29 – Ruslan Fedotenko (2) No scoring No scoring Alexander Ovechkin (8) – 01:23 15:01 – pp – Evgeni Malkin (5) Nicklas Backstrom (1) – pp – 18:10 11:23 – Kris Letang (1) No scoring Marc-Andre Fleury 21 saves / 23 shots Semyon Varlamov 39 saves / 42 shots May 8 3–5 www.nhl.com/ice/recap.htm?id=2008030224 1 03:55 – pp – Sergei Gonchar (2)10:47 – Bill Guerin (3)15:25 – Ruslan Fedotenko (3) Nicklas Backstrom (2) – 00:36 No scoring Chris Clark (1) – 15:08 04:16 – Sidney Crosby (9)14:46 – Maxime Talbot (2) Milan Jurcina (2) – sh – 06:23 Marc-Andre Fleury 19 saves / 22 shots Semyon Varlamov 23 saves / 28 shots May 9 4–3 www.nhl.com/ice/recap.htm?id=2008030225 1 1 No scoring No scoring Jordan Staal (1) – 05:17 06:16 – Alexander Ovechkin (9)14:35 – pp – Nicklas Backstrom (3) Ruslan Fedotenko (4) – 00:51Matt Cooke (1) – 06:27 15:52 – Alexander Ovechkin (10) Evgeni Malkin (6) – pp – 03:28 No scoring Marc-Andre Fleury 28 saves / 31 shots Semyon Varlamov 38 saves / 42 shots May 11 5–4 www.nhl.com/ice/recap.htm?id=2008030226 1 2 05:55 – Bill Guerin (4) No scoring 19:26 – Mark Eaton (4) Viktor Kozlov (3) – 06:27Tomas Fleischmann (3) – 14:42 04:40 – pp – Kris Letang (2)15:42 – Sidney Crosby (10) Alexander Semin (6) – pp – 05:38Viktor Kozlov (4) – 06:07 No scoring Dave Steckel (3) – 06:22 Marc-Andre Fleury 19 saves / 24 shots Semyon Varlamov 38 saves / 42 shots May 13 6–2 www.nhl.com/ice/recap.htm?id=2008030227 1 Sidney Crosby (11) – pp – 12:36Craig Adams (1) – 12:44 No scoring Bill Guerin (5) – 00:28Kris Letang (3) – 02:12Jordan Staal (2) – 11:37 18:09 – Alexander Ovechkin (11) Sidney Crosby (12) – 02:32 06:36 – Brooks Laich (2) Marc-Andre Fleury 19 saves / 21 shots Semyon Varlamov 14 saves / 18 shotsJose Theodore 10 saves / 12 shots Pittsburgh won series 4–3 Western Conference semifinals (2) Detroit Red Wings vs. (8) Anaheim Ducks The Detroit Red Wings advanced to their third consecutive Western Conference Final, and eighth since 1995, after eliminating the Anaheim Ducks in seven games. This Conference Semifinal match up featured the last two winners of the Stanley Cup, with Anaheim and Detroit winning the Cup in 2007 and 2008 respectively.Past two Cup champs set to battle it out Rocky Bonanno http://www.nhl.com/ice/news.htm?id=420471 April 28, 2009 NHL.com April 29, 2009 https://web.archive.org/web/20090501113558/http://www.nhl.com/ice/news.htm?id=420471 May 1, 2009 dead mdy This also marked the fifth series the two teams faced each other in since their first encounter in 1997. Both teams had won two series' each with the Wings winning in 1997 and 1999, and the Ducks winning in 2003 and 2007. In game one, Nicklas Lidstrom scored two goals, including the game-winner with about 49 seconds left in regulation to break a 2–2 tie to give the Red Wings the victory.Lidstrom's goal lifts Wings over Ducks Brian Compton https://www.nhl.com/gamecenter/ana-vs-det/2009/05/01/2008030231 May 1, 2009 NHL.com May 15, 2009 May 5, 2009 https://web.archive.org/web/20090505064208/http://www.nhl.com/ice/recap.htm?id=2008030231 live Anaheim's Todd Marchant scored at 1:15 into triple overtime of game two to give the Ducks a 4–3 victory, after goaltender Jonas Hiller stopped 59 Red Wing shots.Marchant ends marathon, Ducks even series Brian Compton https://www.nhl.com/gamecenter/ana-vs-det/2009/05/03/2008030232 May 3, 2009 NHL.com May 15, 2009 May 6, 2009 https://web.archive.org/web/20090506060859/http://www.nhl.com/ice/recap.htm?id=2008030232 live Game three then ended in controversy: Anaheim was nursing a 2–1 lead with 1:04 remaining in the third period, aided by Hiller's eventual 45 saves and goals from Teemu Selanne and Scott Neidermayer. Detroit's Marian Hossa appeared to have scored the game-tying goal, but referee Brad Watson blew the play dead after losing sight of the puck and the Ducks held on to win the game.Hiller's heroics carry Ducks past Red Wings Eric Stephens https://www.nhl.com/gamecenter/det-vs-ana/2009/05/05/2008030233 May 5, 2009 NHL.com May 15, 2009 May 9, 2009 https://web.archive.org/web/20090509082346/http://www.nhl.com/ice/recap.htm?id=2008030233 live Despite the controversial call, the Red Wings bounced back to even the series in game four, with Hossa and Johan Franzen scoring two goals apiece en route to a 6–3 victory.Wings get even with 6-3 victory over Ducks Eric Stephens https://www.nhl.com/gamecenter/det-vs-ana/2009/05/07/2008030234 May 7, 2009 NHL.com May 15, 2009 May 11, 2009 https://web.archive.org/web/20090511090727/http://www.nhl.com/ice/recap.htm?id=2008030234 live Detroit then went on to win game five, 4–1, with Franzen and Jiri Hudler scoring just 39 seconds apart in the second period to provide the game's first goals.Wings down Ducks for 3-2 series lead Brian Compton https://www.nhl.com/gamecenter/ana-vs-det/2009/05/10/2008030235 May 10, 2009 NHL.com May 15, 2009 May 14, 2009 https://web.archive.org/web/20090514125259/http://www.nhl.com/ice/recap.htm?id=2008030235 live In game six, goaltender Jonas Hiller stopped 38 out of 39 shots as Ryan Getzlaf and Cory Perry each scored to give the Ducks a 2–1 victory.Ducks edge Wings 2-1 to force Game 7 Eric Stephens https://www.nhl.com/gamecenter/det-vs-ana/2009/05/12/2008030236 May 12, 2009 NHL.com May 15, 2009 May 15, 2009 https://web.archive.org/web/20090515030728/http://www.nhl.com/ice/recap.htm?id=2008030236 live In game seven, Bobby Ryan pulled the Ducks into a 3–3 tie at 7:37 of the third period. However, Red Wings forward Dan Cleary scored the game-winning goal with 3:00 left in regulation after Hiller lost sight of the puck behind him and pushed it over the goal line, to give the Red Wings a 4–3 victory and the series.Wings advance with 4-3 win over Ducks Brian Compton https://www.nhl.com/gamecenter/ana-vs-det/2009/05/14/2008030237 May 14, 2009 NHL.com May 17, 2009 May 16, 2009 https://web.archive.org/web/20090516192029/http://www.nhl.com/ice/recap.htm?id=2008030237 live Anaheim Ducks Detroit Red Wings Honda Center Joe Louis Arena May 1 2–3 www.nhl.com/ice/recap.htm?id=2008030231 2 Corey Perry (4) – 07:28 12:33 – pp – Johan Franzen (3) Teemu Selanne (2) – pp – 19:43 14:24 – pp – Nicklas Lidstrom (2) No scoring 19:10 – Nicklas Lidstrom (3) Jonas Hiller 34 saves / 37 shots Chris Osgood 22 saves / 24 shots May 3 4–3 www.nhl.com/ice/recap.htm?id=2008030232 3 1 Ryan Getzlaf (3) – 08:16Chris Pronger (2) – pp – 08:50 06:00 – pp – Brad Stuart (1)13:54 – Mikael Samuelsson (1) Ryan Carter (2) – pp – 04:42 No scoring No scoring 05:19 – Johan Franzen (4) Todd Marchant (1) – 01:14 No scoring Jonas Hiller 59 saves / 62 shots Chris Osgood 42 saves / 46 shots May 5 1–2 www.nhl.com/ice/recap.htm?id=2008030233 1 12:49 – Teemu Selanne (3) No scoring 08:16 – pp – Scott Niedermayer (2) Henrik Zetterberg (4) – pp – 14:20 No scoring No scoring Jonas Hiller 45 saves / 46 shots Chris Osgood 21 saves / 23 shots May 7 6–3 www.nhl.com/ice/recap.htm?id=2008030234 2 00:42 – Corey Perry (5) Johan Franzen (5) – 11:49Johan Franzen (6) – 19:24 11:03 – Corey Perry (6) Marian Hossa (3) – 16:02Marian Hossa (4) – pp – 19:04 10:03 – pp – Scott Niedermayer (3) Mikael Samuelsson (2) – 02:46Henrik Zetterberg (5) – en – 17:27 Jonas Hiller 28 saves / 33 shotsJean-Sebastien Giguere 6 saves / 6 shots Chris Osgood 25 saves / 28 shots May 10 1–4 www.nhl.com/ice/recap.htm?id=2008030235 2 No scoring No scoring Ryan Whitney (1) – pp – 15:37 03:23 – Johan Franzen (7)04:02 – Jiri Hudler (3) No scoring 16:52 – Darren Helm (1)19:08 – en – Henrik Zetterberg (6) Jonas Hiller 34 saves / 37 shots Chris Osgood 16 saves / 17 shots May 12 1–2 www.nhl.com/ice/recap.htm?id=2008030236 1 No scoring No scoring 02:21 – pp – Ryan Getzlaf (4)17:35 – Corey Perry (7) No scoring No scoring Johan Franzen (8) – pp – 17:35 Jonas Hiller 38 saves / 39 shots Chris Osgood 26 saves / 28 shots May 14 3–4 www.nhl.com/ice/recap.htm?id=2008030237 2 No scoring 15:43 – pp – Jiri Hudler (4) Teemu Selanne (4) – 14:50Corey Perry (8) – pp – 17:12 01:17 – Darren Helm (2)16:23 – Mikael Samuelsson (3) Bobby Ryan (5) – 07:37 17:00 – Daniel Cleary (3) Jonas Hiller 36 saves / 40 shots Chris Osgood 24 saves / 27 shots Detroit won series 4–3 (3) Vancouver Canucks vs. (4) Chicago Blackhawks The Chicago Blackhawks eliminated the Vancouver Canucks in six games, to advance to the Western Conference Final for the first time since 1995. This was just the third time that these two teams faced each other in the playoffs. In 1982, the Canucks eliminated the Blackhawks in five games in the Campbell Conference final, while the Blackhawks won a 1995 conference semifinals series in a four-game sweep. Sami Salo scored at 18:47 in the third period of game one to break a 3–3 tie, giving the Canucks an eventual 5–3 win.Salo's goal gives Canucks Game 1 win Derek Jory https://www.nhl.com/gamecenter/chi-vs-van/2009/04/30/2008030241 April 30, 2009 NHL.com May 17, 2009 May 4, 2009 https://web.archive.org/web/20090504032614/http://www.nhl.com/ice/recap.htm?id=2008030241 live The Blackhawks bounced back in game two, overcoming a 2–0 deficit in the second period to go on to a 6–3 victory, with Patrick Sharp and Dave Bolland scoring two goals each.Hawks make another comeback, even series Derek Jory https://www.nhl.com/gamecenter/chi-vs-van/2009/05/02/2008030242 May 2, 2009 NHL.com May 17, 2009 May 6, 2009 https://web.archive.org/web/20090506060911/http://www.nhl.com/ice/recap.htm?id=2008030242 live Vancouver regained the series lead in game three, with goaltender Roberto Luongo stopping 23 out of 24 shots and Steve Bernier providing a powerplay goal to earn a 3–1 victory.Canucks shut down Blackhawks 3-1 to win Game 3 Mike G. Morreale https://www.nhl.com/gamecenter/van-vs-chi/2009/05/05/2008030243 May 5, 2009 NHL.com May 17, 2009 May 9, 2009 https://web.archive.org/web/20090509082357/http://www.nhl.com/ice/recap.htm?id=2008030243 live However, Chicago went on to win the next three games to close the series. First, Martin Havlat tied game four at 17:16 in the third period and Andrew Ladd scoring at 2:52 into overtime to give the Blackhawks a 2–1 victory.Hawks rally, stun Canucks 2-1 in OT Mike G. Morreale https://www.nhl.com/gamecenter/van-vs-chi/2009/05/07/2008030244 May 7, 2009 NHL.com May 17, 2009 May 11, 2009 https://web.archive.org/web/20090511090737/http://www.nhl.com/ice/recap.htm?id=2008030244 live Dustin Byfuglien then scored two goals en route to a 4–2 Chicago win in game five.Hawks top Canucks 4-2 in Game 5 Derek Jory https://www.nhl.com/gamecenter/chi-vs-van/2009/05/09/2008030245 May 9, 2009 NHL.com May 17, 2009 May 13, 2009 https://web.archive.org/web/20090513205924/http://www.nhl.com/ice/recap.htm?id=2008030245 live Finally, the Blackhawks won a high-scoring game six, 7–5, with Patrick Kane earning a hat trick.'Hawks win a wild one, advance to West finals Mike G. Morreale https://www.nhl.com/gamecenter/van-vs-chi/2009/05/11/2008030246 May 11, 2009 NHL.com May 17, 2009 May 15, 2009 https://web.archive.org/web/20090515095917/http://www2.nhl.com/ice/recap.htm?id=2008030246 live Chicago Blackhawks Vancouver Canucks United Center General Motors Place April 30 3–5 www.nhl.com/ice/recap.htm?id=2008030241 2 No scoring 15:22 – pp – Pavol Demitra (1) No scoring 05:13 – Henrik Sedin (2)15:23 – Ryan Kesler (1) Patrick Kane (3) – 01:01Patrick Kane (4) – pp – 10:11Dave Bolland (1) – 14:31 18:47 – Sami Salo (2)19:44 – en – Ryan Johnson (1) Nikolai Khabibulin 22 saves / 26 shots Roberto Luongo 28 saves / 31 shots May 2 6–3 www.nhl.com/ice/recap.htm?id=2008030242 1 No scoring 05:35 – pp – Sami Salo (3)06:44 – pp – Alexander Edler (1) Patrick Sharp (4) – 10:24Patrick Sharp (5) – pp – 13:30Dave Bolland (2) – sh – 16:50 No scoring Ben Eager (1) – 02:13Patrick Kane (5) – 05:48Dave Bolland (3) – en – 18:50 17:15 – pp – Henrik Sedin (3) Nikolai Khabibulin 18 saves / 21 shots Roberto Luongo 26 saves / 31 shots May 5 3–1 www.nhl.com/ice/recap.htm?id=2008030243 2 No scoring Mason Raymond (1) – 15:34 11:09 – pp – Brian Campbell (2) Steve Bernier (2) – pp – 01:00Henrik Sedin (4) – 08:04 No scoring No scoring Nikolai Khabibulin 18 saves / 21 shots Roberto Luongo 23 saves / 24 shots May 7 1–2 www.nhl.com/ice/recap.htm?id=2008030244 1 1 No scoring No scoring No scoring Darcy Hordichuk (1) – 08:32 17:16 – Martin Havlat (4) No scoring 02:52 – Andrew Ladd (2) No scoring Nikolai Khabibulin 14 saves / 15 shots Roberto Luongo 26 saves / 28 shots May 9 4–2 www.nhl.com/ice/recap.htm?id=2008030245 1 Dustin Byfuglien (2) – 15:27 17:54 – pp – Ryan Kesler (2) Dustin Byfuglien (3) – 18:22 11:16 – Mats Sundin (2) Dave Bolland (4) – pp – 14:55Martin Havlat (5) – en – 18:58 No scoring Nikolai Khabibulin 19 saves / 21 shots Roberto Luongo 26 saves / 29 shots May 11 5–7 www.nhl.com/ice/recap.htm?id=2008030246 1 13:13 – Patrick Kane (6) Mason Raymond (2) – 11:13 03:54 – pp – Kris Versteeg (3)10:17 – pp – Jonathan Toews (3) Daniel Sedin (3) – 11:09Shane O'Brien (1) – 14:49 05:41 – Adam Burish (2)13:00 – Patrick Kane (7)13:49 – pp – Jonathan Toews (4)16:17 – Patrick Kane (8) Mats Sundin (3) – 03:43Daniel Sedin (4) – pp – 12:15 Nikolai Khabibulin 33 saves / 38 shots Roberto Luongo 23 saves / 30 shots Chicago won series 4–2 Conference finals NHL conference finals Eastern Conference final (4) Pittsburgh Penguins vs. (6) Carolina Hurricanes This was the first time these two teams met in the playoffs. The Penguins swept the Hurricanes to advance to their second consecutive Stanley Cup Finals (in the process denying a rematch of the 2002 Stanley Cup Finals between the Hurricanes and Red Wings). Pittsburgh jumped to a 2–0 lead in the first period of Game 1, with goals by Miroslav Satan and Evgeni Malkin, before Philippe Boucher added a third period power play goal. Marc-Andre Fleury made a sprawling save on an Eric Staal one-timer in the closing seconds to allow the Penguins to hang on for a 3–2 victory. Game 2 featured offensive assaults by both teams. Patrick Eaves tied the game for Carolina early in the third period, but Malkin responded by scoring two highlight reel markers to complete a hat trick en route to a 7–4 win. In Game 3, Malkin had two goals and an assist in a 6–2 victory. Carolina outplayed Pittsburgh for much of Game 4 and got off to a hot start when Staal scored on a wrap around move. However, the Penguins scored four unanswered goals, including a Max Talbot tally that ricocheted strangely off of goaltender Cam Ward to let the Penguins take the lead late in the opening frame, as they picked up a 4–1 win. After the loss to Pittsburgh, the Hurricanes entered a decade-long slump and would not return to the playoffs until 2019. Carolina Hurricanes Pittsburgh Penguins RBC Center Mellon Arena May 18 2–3 www.nhl.com/ice/recap.htm?id=2008030311 2 No scoring 09:17 – Miroslav Satan (1)10:41 – Evgeni Malkin (7) Chad LaRose (3) – 13:04 No scoring Joe Corvo (2) – pp – 18:34 11:33 – pp – Philippe Boucher (1) Cam Ward 28 saves / 31 shots Marc-Andre Fleury 23 saves / 25 shots May 21 4–7 www.nhl.com/ice/recap.htm?id=2008030312 2 Chad LaRose (4) – 03:07Jussi Jokinen (7) – 08:40Dennis Seidenberg (1) – 12:10 01:51 – Sidney Crosby (13)08:15 – Evgeni Malkin (8) No scoring 03:11 – Maxime Talbot (3)19:52 – Chris Kunitz (1) Patrick Eaves (1) – 02:35 08:50 – Evgeni Malkin (9)12:25 – Evgeni Malkin (10)18:11 – en – Tyler Kennedy (3) Cam Ward 35 saves / 41 shots Marc-Andre Fleury 24 saves / 28 shots May 23 6–2 www.nhl.com/ice/recap.htm?id=2008030313 2 04:06 – Matt Cullen (3) Evgeni Malkin (11) – pp – 06:50Sidney Crosby (14) – 19:17Evgeni Malkin (12) – 19:48 No scoring No scoring 01:58 – Sergei Samsonov (5) Ruslan Fedotenko (5) – 11:29Craig Adams (2) – en – 18:12Bill Guerin (6) – pp – 18:52 Cam Ward 34 saves / 39 shots Marc-Andre Fleury 32 saves / 34 shots May 26 4–1 www.nhl.com/ice/recap.htm?id=2008030314 2 01:36 – Eric Staal (10) Ruslan Fedotenko (6) – 08:21Maxime Talbot (4) – 18:31 No scoring Bill Guerin (7) – 12:10 No scoring Craig Adams (3) – en – 18:50 Cam Ward 21 saves / 24 shots Marc-Andre Fleury 30 saves / 31 shots Pittsburgh won series 4–0 Western Conference final (2) Detroit Red Wings vs. (4) Chicago Blackhawks This was the fifteenth playoff meeting between these two teams, with the Blackhawks winning eight of the previous fourteen series. They last met in the 1995 Western Conference Final, which the Red Wings won in five games. The Red Wings eliminated the Blackhawks in five games to advance to the Stanley Cup Finals for the second straight year and the third time in eight years. Three of the five games in the series were decided in overtime. Dan Cleary scored two goals en route to a 5–2 Detroit victory in Game 1. In Game 2, Jonathan Toews scored two Chicago goals, including one that tied the game at 12:20 in the third period. However, Mikael Samuelsson scored at 5:14 into overtime to give the Red Wings a 3–2 win. Chicago bounced back in Game 3 with a 4–3 win of Patrick Sharp's overtime goal at 1:52 into the extra period. The Blackhawks took an early 3–0 lead in the game but saw Detroit bounce back with three goals from defencemen in the second period. During the game, Blackhawks goaltender Nikolai Khabibulin was injured and replaced for the third period and overtime by Cristobal Huet. The game also featured a controversial hit from Nicklas Kronwall that injured star Chicago winger Martin Havlat. In Game 4, the Red Wings blew out the Blackhawks 6–1, with Marian Hossa and Henrik Zetterberg each tallying a pair of goals. Game 5 was an exhibition in goaltending with Chris Osgood and Cristobal Huet each making a variety of spectacular saves. However, Darren Helm proved to be the eventual hero, scoring at 3:58 into overtime to give the Red Wings a 2–1 win and the series. This was the last Western Conference Final to be played entirely outside of California until 2018. Chicago Blackhawks Detroit Red Wings United Center Joe Louis Arena May 17 2–5 www.nhl.com/ice/recap.htm?id=2008030321 2 Adam Burish (3) – 05:25 08:23 – Daniel Cleary (4) No scoring 16:38 – Johan Franzen (9) Kris Versteeg (4) – pp – 03:12 07:31 – Mikael Samuelsson (4)08:58 – Daniel Cleary (5)19:17 – en – Henrik Zetterberg (7) Nikolai Khabibulin 38 saves / 42 shots Chris Osgood 30 saves / 32 shots May 19 2–3 www.nhl.com/ice/recap.htm?id=2008030322 1 2 Jonathan Toews (5) – pp – 12:49 16:43 – pp – Brian Rafalski (2) No scoring 14:06 – Daniel Cleary (6) Jonathan Toews (6) – 12:20 No scoring No scoring 05:14 – Mikael Samuelsson (5) Nikolai Khabibulin 35 saves / 38 shots Chris Osgood 37 saves / 39 shots May 22 3–4 www.nhl.com/ice/recap.htm?id=2008030323 1 1 08:45 – pp – Patrick Sharp (6)09:50 – Andrew Ladd (3) No scoring 00:45 – Samuel Pahlsson (2) Nicklas Lidstrom (4) – pp – 14:38Brian Rafalski (3) – 17:10Jonathan Ericsson (2) – 19:01 No scoring No scoring 01:52 – Patrick Sharp (7) No scoring Nikolai Khabibulin 21 saves / 24 shotsCristobal Huet 6 saves / 6 shots Chris Osgood 23 saves / 27 shots May 24 6–1 www.nhl.com/ice/recap.htm?id=2008030324 2 No scoring Marian Hossa (5) – sh – 08:41Johan Franzen (10) – 19:39 03:53 – pp – Jonathan Toews (7) Valtteri Filppula (1) – pp – 01:13Marian Hossa (6) – 04:05Henrik Zetterberg (8) – pp – 07:42 No scoring Henrik Zetterberg (9) – pp – 12:47 Cristobal Huet 21 saves / 26 shotsCorey Crawford 6 saves / 7 shots Chris Osgood 18 saves / 19 shotsTy Conklin 9 saves / 9 shots May 27 1–2 www.nhl.com/ice/recap.htm?id=2008030325 1 2 No scoring No scoring No scoring No scoring Patrick Kane (9) – 12:53 06:08 – Daniel Cleary (8) No scoring 03:58 – Darren Helm (3) Cristobal Huet 44 saves / 46 shots Chris Osgood 30 saves / 31 shots Detroit won series 4–1 Stanley Cup Finals 2009 Stanley Cup Finals This was the second playoff meeting between these two teams and a rematch of the previous year's Stanley Cup Finals which Detroit won in six games. This was the first time since 1983 and 1984 that same teams met in consecutive finals. This was Detroit's twenty-fourth Finals appearance; while Pittsburgh made their fourth appearance in the Finals. The teams split their two-game regular season series. Pittsburgh Penguins Detroit Red Wings Mellon Arena Joe Louis Arena May 30 1–3 www.nhl.com/ice/recap.htm?id=2008030411 2 Ruslan Fedotenko (7) – 18:37 13:38 – Brad Stuart (2) No scoring 19:02 – Johan Franzen (11) No scoring 02:46 – Justin Abdelkader (1) Marc-Andre Fleury 27 saves / 30 shots Chris Osgood 31 saves / 32 shots May 31 1–3 www.nhl.com/ice/recap.htm?id=2008030412 2 Evgeni Malkin (13) – pp – 16:50 No scoring No scoring 04:21 – Jonathan Ericsson (3)10:29 – Valtteri Filppula (2) No scoring 02:47 – Justin Abdelkader (2) Marc-Andre Fleury 23 saves / 26 shots Chris Osgood 31 saves / 32 shots June 2 2–4 www.nhl.com/ice/recap.htm?id=2008030413 1 04:48 – Maxime Talbot (5)15:57 – pp – Kris Letang (4) Henrik Zetterberg (10) – 06:19Johan Franzen (12) – pp – 11:33 No scoring No scoring 10:29 – pp – Sergei Gonchar (3)19:03 – en – Maxime Talbot (6) Marc-Andre Fleury 27 saves / 29 shots Chris Osgood 17 saves / 20 shots June 4 2–4 www.nhl.com/ice/recap.htm?id=2008030414 1 02:39 – pp – Evgeni Malkin (14) Darren Helm (4) – 18:19 08:35 – sh – Jordan Staal (3)10:34 – Sidney Crosby (15)14:12 – Tyler Kennedy (4) Brad Stuart (3) – 00:46 No scoring No scoring Marc-Andre Fleury 37 saves / 39 shots Chris Osgood 27 saves / 31 shots June 6 0–5 www.nhl.com/ice/recap.htm?id=2008030415 2 No scoring 13:32 – Daniel Cleary (9) No scoring 01:44 – Valtteri Filppula (3)06:11 – pp – Niklas Kronwall (2)08:26 – pp – Brian Rafalski (3)15:40 – pp – Henrik Zetterberg (11) No scoring No scoring Marc-Andre Fleury 16 saves / 21 shotsMathieu Garon 8 saves / 8 shots Chris Osgood 22 saves / 22 shots June 9 1–2 www.nhl.com/ice/recap.htm?id=2008030416 1 No scoring No scoring 00:51 – Jordan Staal (4) No scoring 05:35 – Tyler Kennedy (5) Kris Draper (1) – 08:01 Marc-Andre Fleury 25 saves / 26 shots Chris Osgood 29 saves / 31 shots June 12 2–1 www.nhl.com/ice/recap.htm?id=2008030417 1 No scoring No scoring Maxime Talbot (7) – 01:13Maxime Talbot (8) – 10:07 No scoring 13:53 – Jonathan Ericsson (4) Marc-Andre Fleury 23 saves / 24 shots Chris Osgood 16 saves / 18 shots Pittsburgh won series 4–3 Player statistics Skaters These are the top ten skaters based on points. If the list exceeds ten skaters because of a tie in points, all of the tied skaters are shown. 2008–2009 - Playoffs - All Skaters - Summary - Total points http://www.nhl.com/ice/playerstats.htm?fetchKey=20093ALLSASAll&sort=points&viewName=summary NHL.com April 18, 2009 April 23, 2009 https://web.archive.org/web/20090423132916/http://www.nhl.com/ice/playerstats.htm?fetchKey=20093ALLSASAll&sort=points&viewName=summary dead Player Team GP G A Pts +/– PIMEvgeni Malkin Pittsburgh Penguins 24 14 22 36 +3 51Sidney Crosby Pittsburgh Penguins 24 15 16 31 +9 14Henrik Zetterberg Detroit Red Wings 23 11 13 24 +13 13Johan Franzen Johan Franzén Detroit Red Wings 23 12 11 23 +8 12Alexander Ovechkin Washington Capitals 14 11 10 21 +10 8Ryan Getzlaf Anaheim Ducks 13 4 14 18 +3 25Nicklas Lidstrom Nicklas Lidström Detroit Red Wings 21 4 12 16 +11 6Valtteri Filppula Detroit Red Wings 23 3 13 16 +8 8Eric Staal Carolina Hurricanes 18 10 5 15 -3 4Daniel Cleary Detroit Red Wings 23 9 6 15 +17 12Bill Guerin Pittsburgh Penguins 24 7 8 15 +8 15Marian Hossa Marián Hossa Detroit Red Wings 23 6 9 15 +5 10Martin Havlat Martin Havlát Chicago Blackhawks 16 5 10 15 0 8Nicklas Backstrom Nicklas Bäckström Washington Capitals 14 3 12 15 +3 8 GP = Games played; G = Goals; A = Assists; Pts = Points; +/– = Plus/minus; PIM = Penalty minutes Goaltending This is a combined table of the top five goaltenders based on goals against average and the top five goaltenders based on save percentage with at least 420 minutes played. The table is sorted by GAA, and the criteria for inclusion is bolded. 2008–2009 - Playoffs - Goalie - Summary - Goals against average http://www.nhl.com/ice/playerstats.htm?fetchKey=20093ALLGAGAll&sort=goalsAgainstAverage&viewName=wlt NHL.com April 18, 2009 April 29, 2009 https://web.archive.org/web/20090429114123/http://www.nhl.com/ice/playerstats.htm?fetchKey=20093ALLGAGAll&sort=goalsAgainstAverage&viewName=wlt dead 2008–2009 - Playoffs - Goalie - Summary - Save percentage http://www.nhl.com/ice/playerstats.htm?fetchKey=20093ALLGAGAll&sort=savePercentage&viewName=wlt NHL.com April 18, 2009 April 25, 2009 https://web.archive.org/web/20090425205515/http://www.nhl.com/ice/playerstats.htm?fetchKey=20093ALLGAGAll&sort=savePercentage&viewName=wlt dead Player Team GP W L SA GA GAA SV% SO MinTim Thomas Tim Thomas (ice hockey, born 1974) Boston Bruins 11 7 4 323 21 1.85 .935 1 679:44Chris Osgood Detroit Red Wings 23 15 8 637 47 2.01 .926 2 1,405:51Jonas Hiller Anaheim Ducks 13 7 6 524 30 2.23 .943 2 806:43Martin Brodeur New Jersey Devils 7 3 4 239 17 2.39 .929 1 426:41Roberto Luongo Vancouver Canucks 10 6 4 304 26 2.52 .914 1 617:57Semyon Varlamov Semyon Varlamov Washington Capitals 13 7 6 389 32 2.53 .918 2 758:52 GP = Games played; W = Wins; L = Losses; SA = Shots against; GA = Goals against; GAA = Goals against average; SV% = Save percentage; SO = Shutouts; TOI = Time on ice (minutes:seconds) Television National Canadian English-language coverage of the playoffs were split between the CBC and TSN, with the CBC holding exclusive rights to the Stanley Cup Finals. French-language telecasts were broadcast on RDS and RDS2. This was the first postseason that the CBC and TSN selected the rights to individual series in the first three rounds using a draft-like setup. The CBC had first, second, fourth, and sixth choices of first-round series; first and third in the second round, and first in the conference finals. TSN then had third, fifth, seventh, and eighth choices of first-round series; second and fourth in the second round; and second in the conference finals. These changes also allowed TSN to broadcast playoff games involving Canadian teams for the first time, removing the CBC's exclusivity on them.https://playbackonline.ca/2008/06/03/tsn-20080603/ TSN clinches landmark NHL deal playbackonline.ca June 3, 2008 July 13, 2021 July 11, 2021 https://web.archive.org/web/20210711070112/https://playbackonline.ca/2008/06/03/tsn-20080603/ live In the United States, coverage was split between NBC and Versus. During the first three rounds, NBC primarily televised weekend afternoon games and Versus aired evening games. During the first and second round, excluding games exclusively broadcast on NBC, the regional rights holders of each participating U.S. team produced local telecasts of their respective games. Not all first and second-round games were nationally televised, while the conference finals were exclusively broadcast on either NBC or Versus. NBC then aired the first two and final three games of the Stanley Cup Finals, while Versus broadcast games three and four. See also 2008–09 NHL season List of NHL seasons References External links 2009 Stanley Cup playoffs at ESPN 2009 Stanley Cup playoffs at Hockey Reference 2008 Stanley Cup playoffs 2010 Stanley Cup playoffs Stanley Cup playoffs 2009 playoffs Category:Stanley Cup playoffs