2008–09 Montreal Canadiens season

NHL hockey team season March 2026 March 2012 NHL 2008–09 2008 Montreal Canadiens Eastern 8th Northeast 2nd 41–30–11 24–10–7 17–20–4 249 247 Bob Gainey Guy Carbonneau (Oct. 10–Mar. 9) Carbonneau out as Canadiens head coach https://www.cbc.ca/sports/hockey/carbonneau-out-as-canadiens-head-coach-1.806592 CBC Sports March 9, 2009 March 21, 2024Bob Gainey (interim, Mar. 9–Apr. 22) Saku Koivu Chris Higgins (Oct.–Jan.)Mike Komisarek (Jan.–Apr.)Alexei Kovalev Bell Centre 21,273 (100.0%) Alexei Kovalev (26) Andrei Markov (52) Alexei Kovalev (65) Alex Tanguay (+12) Mike Komisarek (121) Carey Price (23) Carey Price (2.83) The 2008–09 Montreal Canadiens season was their 100th season and 92nd in the National Hockey League (NHL). While it was widely believed that the 2008–09 season marked the team's centennial, this would not be until the following season with the Canadiens' 100th anniversary taking place on December 4, 2009.https://bleacherreport.com/articles/45523-2008-2009-is-not-the-montreal-canadiens-100th-season 2008-2009 is NOT the Montreal Canadiens' 100th Season! Bleacher Reporthttps://www.timeanddate.com/date/durationresult.html?m1=12&d1=04&y1=1909&m2=12&d2=04&y2=2009 Calculate Duration Between Two Dates – Results The 2008 NHL entry draft took place in Ottawa on June 20–21, followed by the free agency period which began on July 1. 2 Off-season Throughout much of the off-season, Canadiens' general manager Bob Gainey pursued a possible contract with unrestricted free agent Mats Sundin, formerly the captain of Montreal's historic rival, the Toronto Maple Leafs. The signing efforts started prior to July 1, 2008, and continued into August, as Gainey was still actively pursuing Sundin. This, despite the fact that Sundin's agent mentioned his player "wasn't close" to making a decision on his future, and was strongly considering retirement. TSN.ca news service Barry: Sundin isn't close to making a decision on his future TSN.ca August 4, 2008 https://www.tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=245315&lid=headline&lpos=topStory_nhl October 24, 2008 The chase ended with the acquisition of forward Robert Lang from the Chicago Blackhawks.Canadiens acquire Robert Lang from Blackhawks https://www.cbc.ca/sports/hockey/canadiens-acquire-robert-lang-from-blackhawks-1.768905 October 23, 2008 September 12, 2008 CBC Sports https://web.archive.org/web/20080923194528/http://www.cbc.ca/sports/hockey/story/2008/09/12/hockey-canadiens-lang.html September 23, 2008 live The Canadiens also acquired veteran forward Alex Tanguay from the Calgary Flames in exchange for the 25th overall pick in the 2007–2008 entry draft. Enforcer Georges Laraque and goaltender Marc Denis were signed to the team through free agency. Unrestricted free agents Michael Ryder, Mark Streit and Bryan Smolinski did not return to the team. Preseason The preseason schedule consisted of the team playing nine games in 13 days. The team claimed victory in six of these encounters. The initial game of the pre-season was played against the Boston Bruins in Halifax, Nova Scotia. The Canadiens took part in the CBC's Kraft Hockeyville series by playing a game against the Buffalo Sabres at the Sporting Centre Benoît Levesque in Roberval, Quebec. Canadiens trim Sabres in Roberval, Que. https://www.cbc.ca/sports/hockey/canadiens-trim-sabres-in-roberval-que-1.751689 October 23, 2008 September 24, 2008 CBC Sports https://web.archive.org/web/20080927210539/http://www.cbc.ca/sports/hockey/story/2008/09/23/nhl-sabres-canadiens.html September 27, 2008 live Some noteworthy performances at the Canadiens training camp were put forth by prospects Max Pacioretty, Max-imum overdrive http://canadiens.nhl.com/team/app?articleid=384293&page=NewsPage&service=page Manny Almela October 23, 2008 October 1, 2008 Canadiens.com https://web.archive.org/web/20081021060515/http://canadiens.nhl.com/team/app/?service=page&page=NewsPage&articleid=384293 October 21, 2008 dead mdy-all Yannick WeberMarch 2009 and Ben Maxwell.March 2009 Regular season Early Centennial year celebrations Montreal Canadiens centennial The team announced its intention to retire two uniform numbers during the 2008–09 season.March 2009 As of March 2009, the only confirmed number is Patrick Roy's number 33, which was retired on November 22, 2008. Habs to retire Roy's No. 33 Montreal Canadiens Montreal September 11, 2008 http://canadiens.nhl.com/team/app?articleid=381696&page=NewsPage&service=page September 20, 2008 https://web.archive.org/web/20081002054749/http://canadiens.nhl.com/team/app?articleid=381696&page=NewsPage&service=page October 2, 2008 dead In celebration of the Montreal Canadiens' centennial, the 2009 NHL All-Star Game was held in Montreal on January 25, 2009, and the 2009 NHL entry draft, scheduled for June 2009, was awarded to the city. October "I think everybody now can turn the page and get excited." —Guy Carbonneau, after the Montreal Canadiens concluded their preseason schedule. 7 Quotes 'Things they said in montreal this week' http://www.canada.com/montrealgazette/news/saturdayextra/story.html?id=6f3b77f9-3bf8-46b1-9a6c-cc2aabd5bd61 Montreal Gazette October 6, 2008 October 11, 2008 https://web.archive.org/web/20121105102243/http://www.canada.com/montrealgazette/news/saturdayextra/story.html?id=6f3b77f9-3bf8-46b1-9a6c-cc2aabd5bd61 November 5, 2012 dead mdy-all 300px right On October 10, the Canadiens embarked on a trip for three consecutive road games where they opened the season against the Buffalo Sabres, at the HSBC Arena. Associated Press Recap: Canadiens @ Sabres – 10/10/2008 https://www.nhl.com/gamecenter/mtl-vs-buf/2008/10/10/2008020012 NHL.com October 10, 2008 October 10, 2008 Montreal lost the opening game of the season in shootout, but subsequently won 6–1 against the Toronto Maple Leafs on October 11 and 5–3 against the Philadelphia Flyers on October 13. Associated Press Recap: Canadiens @ Maple Leafs – 10/11/2008 https://www.nhl.com/gamecenter/mtl-vs-tor/2008/10/11/2008020016 NHL.com October 11, 2008 October 11, 2008 Associated Press Recap: Canadiens @ Flyers – 10/13/2008 https://www.nhl.com/gamecenter/mtl-vs-phi/2008/10/13/2008020035 NHL.com October 13, 2008 March 25, 2009 The team returned to Montreal after four days on the road and a 2–0–1 record. The Canadiens hosted the Boston Bruins for their 100th home opening game and won 4–3 in shootout, with Alex Tanguay scoring the winning goal. On October 18, Saku Koivu achieved his 422nd assist with the Montreal Canadiens and surpassed Maurice "the Rocket" Richard at number seven for all-time assists in franchise history. Two days later, he got his 600th NHL career point when the Canadiens defeated the Florida Panthers 3–1. According to a Forbes report published in late October 2008, the franchise ranks as the third most valuable in the NHL at US$334 million, making an 18% increase in the past season. Rob Rossi NHL Team Valuations: No. 3 Montreal Canadiens https://www.forbes.com/sports/lists/2008/31/nhl08_Montreal-Canadiens_314528.html Forbes October 29, 2008 October 30, 2008 https://web.archive.org/web/20081102053140/http://www.forbes.com/sports/lists/2008/31/nhl08_Montreal-Canadiens_314528.html November 2, 2008 dead The Toronto Maple Leafs and Detroit Red Wings were respectively ranked first and second in the report. The Canadiens finished October with a 7–1–1 record in Minnesota and concluded the month with two consecutive road wins and a perfect overall road record. http://canadiens.nhl.com/team/app?service=page&page=SubseasonSchedule 2008–2009 Regular Season Schedule/Results October 30, 2008 Canadiens.com October 30, 2008 https://web.archive.org/web/20080927061654/http://canadiens.nhl.com/team/app?service=page&page=SubseasonSchedule September 27, 2008 dead thumb|200px November On November 1, against the New York Islanders, Andrei Markov became the second defenceman in franchise history, after Guy Lapointe, to get five points in his first five road games of the season. Associated Press Recap: Canadiens @ Islanders – 11/01/2008 https://www.nhl.com/gamecenter/mtl-vs-nyi/2008/11/01/2008020155 NHL.com November 1, 2008 March 25, 2009 On November 10, the league announced that forward Tom Kostopoulos was suspended for three games after hitting Toronto Maple Leafs defenceman Mike Van Ryn from behind. Adam Kimelman Exclusive: Kostopoulos suspended 3 games http://www.nhl.com/ice/news.htm?id=391684 https://web.archive.org/web/20110521192648/http://www.nhl.com/ice/news.htm?id=391684 dead May 21, 2011 NHL.com November 10, 2008 March 25, 2009 On November 11, Chris Higgins got his first NHL career hat-trick in a 4–0 win against the Ottawa Senators. Associated Press Recap: Senators @ Canadiens – 11/11/2008 https://www.nhl.com/gamecenter/ott-vs-mtl/2008/11/11/2008020217 NHL.com November 11, 2008 March 25, 2009 On November 22, the jersey number 33 of legendary goaltender Patrick Roy was retired. Manny Almela Home sweet home http://canadiens.nhl.com/team/app?articleid=393941&page=NewsPage&service=page Canadiens.com Montreal November 22, 2008 March 25, 2009 https://web.archive.org/web/20110724220714/http://canadiens.nhl.com/team/app?articleid=393941&page=NewsPage&service=page July 24, 2011 dead mdy-all On November 24, against the New York Islanders, Ryan O'Byrne scored on his own net during a delayed penalty call, where Carey Price was pulled off for an extra attacker. On November 29, Mike Komisarek—who was not playing due to injury—temporarily took a place behind the bench as an assistant coach, in replacement of Doug Jarvis, who was at his father's bedside. Canadian Press Markov goal caps three-goal second period in Habs 3–2 win over Sabres http://www.nhl.com/ice/news.htm?id=395236 https://web.archive.org/web/20110604153225/http://www.nhl.com/ice/news.htm?id=395236 dead June 4, 2011 NHL.com Montreal November 29, 2008 March 25, 2009 Rookie right winger Matt D'Agostini was recalled from Hamilton Bulldogs of the American Hockey League (AHL) and Roman Hamrlik got his 400th NHL career assist in a 3–2 win over the Buffalo Sabres. Associated Press Recap: Canadiens @ Sabres – 11/29/2008 https://www.nhl.com/gamecenter/buf-vs-mtl/2008/11/29/2008020338 NHL.com November 29, 2008 March 25, 2009 December On December 2, Saku Koivu achieved his 612th point with the Montreal Canadiens after recording two assists in a 5–4 win over the Atlanta Thrashers. He tied Mats Näslund at 11th for all-time points in franchise history. Koivu then surpassed Naslund on December 6 after recording an assist in a 2–1 overtime loss over the New Jersey Devils. Matt D'Agostini scored his first NHL career goal and point and Roman Hamrlik played his 100th game with the club. Associated Press Recap: Thrashers @ Canadiens – 12/02/2008 https://www.nhl.com/gamecenter/atl-vs-mtl/2008/12/02/2008020357 NHL.com December 2, 2008 March 25, 2009 The Montreal Canadiens celebrated the 99th anniversary of the franchise on December 4 with a 6–2 win over the New York Rangers. Matt D'Agostini got his first NHL assist in a two-point performance. Georges Laraque got his first two points with his new team. Associated Press Recap: Rangers @ Canadiens – 12/04/2008 https://www.nhl.com/gamecenter/nyr-vs-mtl/2008/12/04/2008020366 NHL.com December 4, 2008 March 25, 2009 D'Agostini had a successful debut with the team, recording six goals and two assists in his first 11 games. https://www.nhl.com/player/matt-d-agostini-8471851 Matt D'Agostini – 2008–2008 Game Log March 25, 2009 NHL.com On December 13, Ben Maxwell played his first game in the NHL against the Washington Capitals after Saku Koivu was placed on the injured reserve list. On December 18, against the Philadelphia Flyers, Alexei Kovalev got his 900th NHL career point. After the Christmas break, the Canadiens were back in action on the road on December 27 and won 3–2 against the Pittsburgh Penguins. The Montreal Canadiens enjoyed their 3000th franchise victory, with a 5–2 win over the Florida Panthers at Sunrise on December 29, solidifying their place as the most successful team in NHL history. Andrei Kostitsyn and Maxim Lapierre scored their first career hat-tricks during this road trip. January General Manager Bob Gainey presented his mid-season report on January 13. He stated that he was looking to improve the team's power play, which was 26th in the league,March 2009 and he wanted to acquire a proven player capable of helping the power play. When asked by a reporter what was his best transaction since taking over as the team's general manager, he answered that the hiring of Guy Carbonneau as head coach was his best move.March 2009 February In order to help bolster their power play,March 2009 Bob Gainey acquired Mathieu Schneider from the Atlanta Thrashers for a combination of draft picks. This is Schneider's second tenure with the Canadiens, who began his career in Montreal after being drafted by the team in 1987. On February 17, Alexei Kovalev was asked by managing director Bob Gainey to go home and take a rest.March 2009 He missed two games. There were rumors that he would be traded and the city was abuzz.March 2009 Kovalev rejoined the team on February 21 and scored one goal and added two assists in a convincing 5–3 win over the Ottawa Senators. Kovalev received the first star of the game to the delight of the Montreal crowd. A reporter for the Montreal newspaper La Presse stated on the evening of February 19 that the February 20 edition of the paper would have an exposé that would make the Kovalev situation seem inconsequential. The paper reported that Roman Hamrlik and brothers Andrei and Sergei Kostitsyn were involved with a person believed to be part of an organized crime ring in Montreal. Although the players have admitted that they know the person in question, no accusations nor proof has been provided indicating that the players were involved in any illegal activities. The article has since been written off as tabloid journalism and a major example on how the Montreal media negatively treat the Canadiens players. On February 26, Gainey traded Steve Begin to the Dallas Stars for Doug Janik, who was immediately sent to the Hamilton Bulldogs. Begin, who was often a healthy scratch during the season, would have been an unrestricted free agent at the end of the season. Saku Koivu scored his 624th point with the Canadiens with an assist in a February 27 game against the Philadelphia Flyers. He became the tenth all-time leading scorer in Canadiens history, surpassing Elmer Lach. The Canadiens claimed Glen Metropolit off waivers from the Philadelphia Flyers on February 27. Metropolit was practicing with the Flyers earlier in the day when Flyers General Manager Paul Holmgren informed him, "I've got good news and bad news. The good news is that you're playing tonight. The bad news is that you're playing for the Canadiens."March 2009 The Canadiens were in town playing the Flyers that same day and Metropolit simply moved his equipment to the visitor's dressing room. March Approaching the NHL trade deadline, Bob Gainey traded for Mathieu Schneider and claimed Glen Metropolit. Gainey confirmed that he couldn't risk trading away his young prospects for any "rental players." On March 9, Gainey announced that he was replacing Guy Carbonneau as head coach until the end of the season. Don Lever was named assistant-coach. Patrice Brisebois played his 1,000th NHL game on March 14 in a 3–2 loss to the New Jersey Devils. During that same game, Martin Brodeur tied the all-time NHL record for career wins with 551, tying Canadiens great Patrick Roy, who was in attendance at that game. Brodeur was given the first star of the game and received a standing ovation from his home province crowd. Alex Tanguay scored a season-high five points (two goals and three assists) on March 24 in a 6–3 win against the Atlanta Thrashers at the Bell Centre. Alexei Kovalev scored his 100th goal as a member of the Canadiens (and 23rd goal of the season) in a 4–1 win against the Chicago Blackhawks on March 31. April The Canadiens finished the regular season having tied the Carolina Hurricanes for the most power play opportunities, with 374.https://www.hockey-reference.com/leagues/NHL_2009.html 2008-09 NHL Summary Standings Divisional standings MTL Conference standings MTL Schedule and results #CCFFCC Win (2 points) 1px solid #AAAAAA #FFBBBB Loss (0 points) 1px solid #AAAAAA #e1e1e1 Overtime/shootout loss (1 point) 1px solid #AAAAAA background:#BF2F38; color:#FFFFFF 2008–09 game log y background:#00285D; color:white; PreseasonPreseason record: 6–3–0 (home: 5–1–0; road: 1–2–0) Date Visitor Score Home Location In goal Att Record Recap |- align="center" bgcolor="#FFBBBB" | September 22 || Montreal Canadiens || 3–8 || Boston Bruins|| Halifax, Nova Scotia || Halak, Denis || 10,595 || 0–1–0 || |- align="center" bgcolor="#CCFFCC" | September 23 || Buffalo Sabres || 2–3 || Montreal Canadiens ||Roberval, Quebec || Denis || 1,000 || 1–1–0 || |- align="center" bgcolor="#CCFFCC" | September 24 || Montreal Canadiens || 3–2 SO || Detroit Red Wings || Detroit, MI || Price, Desjardins || 15,319 || 2–1–0 || |- align="center" bgcolor="#CCFFCC" | September 26 || Ottawa Senators || 0–5 || Montreal Canadiens || Montreal || Halak || 21,273 || 3–1–0 || |- align="center" bgcolor="#FFBBBB" | September 27 || Montreal Canadiens || 1–3 || Ottawa Senators || Kanata, Ontario ||Desjardins, Denis|| 20,282 || 3–2–0 || |- align="center" bgcolor="#CCFFCC" | September 28 || Florida Panthers || 2–3 SO || Montreal Canadiens || Montreal || Halak || 21,273 || 4–2–0 || |- align="center" bgcolor="#CCFFCC" | September 30 || Detroit Red Wings || 1–2 SO || Montreal Canadiens || Montreal || Price || 21,273 || 5–2–0 || |- align="center" bgcolor="#CCFFCC" | October 1 || Boston Bruins || 1–3 || Montreal Canadiens || Montreal || Halak || 21,273 ||6–2–0 || |- align="center" bgcolor="#FFBBBB" | October 4 || Minnesota Wild || 3–0 || Montreal Canadiens || Montreal || Price || 21,273 ||6–3–0 || |- y background:#00285D; color:white; OctoberMonthly record: 7–1–1 (home: 4–1–0; road: 3–0–1) # Date Visitor Score Home Decision Attendance Record Points Recap |- align="center" bgcolor="#ffffff" | 1 || October 10 || Montreal Canadiens || 1–2 SO || Buffalo Sabres || Price || 18,690 || 0–0–1 || 1 || |- align="center" bgcolor="#CCFFCC" | 2 || October 11 || Montreal Canadiens || 6–1 || Toronto Maple Leafs || Halak || 19,370 || 1–0–1 || 3 || |- align="center" bgcolor="#CCFFCC" | 3 || October 13 || Montreal Canadiens || 5–3 || Philadelphia Flyers || Price || 19,323 || 2–0–1 || 5 || |- align="center" bgcolor="#CCFFCC" | 4 || October 15 || Boston Bruins || 3–4 SO || Montreal Canadiens || Price || 21,273 || 3–0–1 || 7 || |- align="center" bgcolor="#CCFFCC" | 5 || October 18 || Phoenix Coyotes || 1–4 || Montreal Canadiens || Price || 21,273 || 4–0–1 || 9 || |- align="center" bgcolor="#CCFFCC" | 6 || October 20 || Florida Panthers || 1–3 || Montreal Canadiens || Halak || 21,273 || 5–0–1 || 11 || |- align="center" bgcolor="#FFBBBB" | 7 || October 25 || Anaheim Ducks || 6–4 || Montreal Canadiens || Price* || 21,273 || 5–1–1 || 11 || |- align="center" bgcolor="#CCFFCC" | 8 || October 28 || Carolina Hurricanes || 2–3 SO || Montreal Canadiens || Price || 21,273 || 6–1–1 || 13 || |- align="center" bgcolor="#CCFFCC" | 9 || October 30 || Montreal Canadiens || 2–1 || Minnesota Wild || Price || 18,568 || 7–1–1 || 15 || |- align="center" | colspan=10 | *Halak was replaced after the 4th goal by Anaheim. Price was credited with the decision as he let in the game winning 5th goal. |- y background:#00285D; color:white; NovemberMonthly record: 6–5–3 (home: 2–1–2; road: 4–4–1)Season record: 13–6–4 (home: 6–2–2; road: 7–4–2) # Date Visitor Score Home Decision Attendance Record Points Recap |- align="center" bgcolor="#CCFFCC" | 10 || November 1 || Montreal Canadiens || 5–4 || New York Islanders || Price || 14,429 || 8–1–1 || 17 || |- align="center" bgcolor="white" | 11 || November 7 || Montreal Canadiens || 3–4 SO || Columbus Blue Jackets || Halak || 14,603 || 8–1–2 || 18 || |- align="center" bgcolor="#FFBBBB" | 12 || November 8 || Montreal Canadiens || 3–6 || Toronto Maple Leafs || Price || 19,512 || 8–2–2 || 18 || |- align="center" bgcolor="#CCFFCC" | 13 || November 11 || Ottawa Senators || 0–4 || Montreal Canadiens || Price || 21,273 || 9–2–2 || 20 || |- align="center" bgcolor="#FFBBBB" | 14 || November 13 || Montreal Canadiens || 1–6 || Boston Bruins || Price || 16,816 || 9–3–2 || 20 || |- align="center" bgcolor="#FFBBBB" | 15 || November 15 || Philadelphia Flyers|| 2–1 || Montreal Canadiens || Halak || 21,273 || 9–4–2 || 20 || |- align="center" bgcolor="#CCFFCC" | 16 || November 16 || Montreal Canadiens || 3–2 SO || St. Louis Blues || Price || 19,150 || 10–4–2 || 22 || |- align="center" bgcolor="#FFBBBB" | 17 || November 18 || Montreal Canadiens || 1–2 || Carolina Hurricanes || Price || 12,164 || 10–5–2 || 22 || |- align="center" bgcolor="#CCFFCC" | 18 || November 20 || Montreal Canadiens || 3–2 SO || Ottawa Senators || Price || 20,475 || 11–5–2 || 24 || |- align="center" bgcolor="white" | 19 || November 22 || Boston Bruins|| 3–2 SO || Montreal Canadiens || Price || 21,273 || 11–5–3 || 25 || |- align="center" bgcolor="white" | 20 || November 24 || New York Islanders|| 4–3 SO || Montreal Canadiens || Price || 21,273 || 11–5–4 || 26 || |- align="center" bgcolor="#CCFFCC" | 21 || November 26 || Montreal Canadiens || 3–1 || Detroit Red Wings || Price || 20,066 || 12–5–4 || 28 || |- align="center" bgcolor="#FFBBBB" | 22 || November 28 || Montreal Canadiens || 0–3 || Washington Capitals || Halak || 18,277 || 12–6–4 || 28 || |- align="center" bgcolor="#CCFFCC" | 23 || November 29 || Buffalo Sabres || 2–3 || Montreal Canadiens || Price || 21,273 || 13–6–4 || 30 || |- align="center" y background:#00285D; color:white; DecemberMonthly record: 8–3–2 (home: 5–2–2; road: 3–1–0)Season record: 21–9–6 (home: 11–4–4; road: 10–5–2) # Date Visitor Score Home Decision Attendance Record Points Recap |- align="center" bgcolor="#CCFFCC" | 24 || December 2 || Atlanta Thrashers || 4–5 || Montreal Canadiens || Price || 21,273 || 14–6–4 || 32 || |- align="center" bgcolor="#CCFFCC" | 25 || December 4 || New York Rangers|| 2–6 || Montreal Canadiens || Price || 21,273 || 15–6–4 ||34 || |- align="center" bgcolor="white" | 26 || December 6 || New Jersey Devils|| 2–1 OT || Montreal Canadiens || Price || 21,273 || 15–6–5 || 35 || |- align="center" bgcolor="#CCFFCC" | 27 || December 9 || Calgary Flames|| 1–4 || Montreal Canadiens || Halak || 21,273 || 16–6–5 || 37 || |- align="center" bgcolor="#FFBBBB" | 28 || December 11 || Tampa Bay Lightning|| 3–1 || Montreal Canadiens || Halak || 21,273 || 16–7–5 || 37 || |- align="center" bgcolor="#FFBBBB" | 29 || December 13 || Washington Capitals|| 2–1 || Montreal Canadiens || Halak || 21,273 || 16–8–5 || 37 || |- align="center" bgcolor="#FFBBBB" | 30 || December 16 || Montreal Canadiens || 2–3 || Carolina Hurricanes || Halak || 16,434 || 16–9–5 || 37 || |- align="center" bgcolor="#CCFFCC" | 31 || December 18 || Philadelphia Flyers || 2–5 || Montreal Canadiens || Halak || 21,273 || 17–9–5 || 39 || |- align="center" bgcolor="#CCFFCC" | 32 || December 20 || Buffalo Sabres || 3–4 OT || Montreal Canadiens || Halak || 21,273 || 18–9–5 || 41 || |- align="center" bgcolor="white" | 33 || December 21 || Carolina Hurricanes || 3–2 OT || Montreal Canadiens || Price || 21,273 || 18–9–6 || 42 || |- align="center" bgcolor="#CCFFCC" | 34 || December 27 || Montreal Canadiens || 3–2 || Pittsburgh Penguins || Price || 17,132 || 19–9–6 || 44 || |- align="center" bgcolor="#CCFFCC" | 35 || December 29 || Montreal Canadiens || 5–2 || Florida Panthers || Price || 20,741 || 20–9–6 || 46 || |- align="center" bgcolor="#CCFFCC" | 36 || December 30 || Montreal Canadiens || 2–1 SO || Tampa Bay Lightning || Price || 20,454 || 21–9–6 || 48 || |- align="center" y background:#00285D; color:white; JanuaryMonthly record: 7–6–0 (home: 5–0–0; road: 2–6–0)Season record: 28–15–6 (home: 16–4–4; road: 12–11–2) # Date Visitor Score Home Decision Attendance Record Points Recap |- align="center" bgcolor="#FFBBBB" | 37 || January 2 || Montreal Canadiens || 1–4 || New Jersey Devils || Halak || 17,625 || 21–10–6 || 48 || |- align="center" bgcolor="#CCFFCC" | 38 || January 4 || Florida Panthers|| 5–6 SO || Montreal Canadiens || Halak || 21,273 || 22–10–6 || 50 || |- align="center" bgcolor="#CCFFCC" | 39 || January 7 || Montreal Canadiens || 6–3 || New York Rangers || Halak || 18,200 || 23–10–6 || 52 || |- align="center" bgcolor="#CCFFCC" | 40 || January 8 || Toronto Maple Leafs|| 2–6 || Montreal Canadiens || Halak || 21,273 || 24–10–6 || 54 || |- align="center" bgcolor="#CCFFCC" | 41 || January 10 || Washington Capitals|| 4–5 || Montreal Canadiens || Halak || 21,273 || 25–10–6 || 56 || |- align="center" bgcolor="#FFBBBB" | 42 || January 13 || Montreal Canadiens || 1–3 || Boston Bruins || Halak || 17,565 || 25–11–6 || 56 || |- align="center" bgcolor="#CCFFCC" | 43 || January 15 || Nashville Predators|| 2–3 || Montreal Canadiens || Halak || 21,273 || 26–11–6 || 58 || |- align="center" bgcolor="#CCFFCC" | 44 || January 17 || Montreal Canadiens || 5–4 SO || Ottawa Senators || Halak || 20,413 || 27–11–6 || 60 || |- align="center" bgcolor="#FFBBBB" | 45 || January 20 || Montreal Canadiens || 2–4 || Atlanta Thrashers || Halak || 13,076 || 27–12–6 || 60 || |- align="center" bgcolor="#FFBBBB" | 46 || January 21 || Montreal Canadiens || 2–5 || New Jersey Devils || Price || 16,235 || 27–13–6 || 60 || |- align="center" bgcolor="#FFBBBB" | 47 || January 27 || Montreal Canadiens || 3–5 || Tampa Bay Lightning || Price || 15,912 || 27–14–6 || 60 || |- align="center" bgcolor="#FFBBBB" | 48 || January 29 || Montreal Canadiens || 1–5 || Florida Panthers || Price || 16,334 || 27–15–6 || 60 || |- align="center" bgcolor="#CCFFCC" | 49 || January 31 || Los Angeles Kings || 3–4 || Montreal Canadiens || Price || 21,273 || 28–15–6 || 62 || |- align="center" y background:#00285D; color:white; FebruaryMonthly record: 6–7–1 (home: 4–2–0; road: 2–5–1)Season record: 34–22–7 (home: 20–6–4; road: 14–16–3) # Date Visitor Score Home Decision Attendance Record Points Recap |- align="center" bgcolor="#FFBBBB" | 50 || February 1 || Boston Bruins || 3–1 || Montreal Canadiens || Price || 21,273 || 28–16–6 || 62 || |- align="center" bgcolor="#CCFFCC" | 51 || February 3 || Pittsburgh Penguins|| 2–4 || Montreal Canadiens || Price || 21,273 || 29–16–6 || 64 || |- align="center" bgcolor="#FFBBBB" | 52 || February 6 || Montreal Canadiens || 2–3 || Buffalo Sabres || Price || 18,161 || 29–17–6 || 64 || |- align="center" bgcolor="#FFBBBB" | 53 || February 7 || Toronto Maple Leafs || 5–2 || Montreal Canadiens || Price || 21,273 || 29–18–6 || 64 || |- align="center" bgcolor="#FFBBBB" | 54 || February 9 || Montreal Canadiens || 2–6 || Calgary Flames || Price || 19,289 || 29–19–6 || 64 || |- align="center"[nhl.com] bgcolor="#FFBBBB" | 55 || February 11 || Montreal Canadiens || 2–7 || Edmonton Oilers || Price || 16,839 || 29–20–6 || 64 || |- align="center"[nhl.com] bgcolor="#CCFFCC" | 56 || February 13 || Montreal Canadiens || 4–2 || Colorado Avalanche || Halak || 17,514 || 30–20–6 || 66 || |- align="center"[nhl.com] bgcolor="#FFBBBB" | 57 || February 15 || Montreal Canadiens || 2–4 || Vancouver Canucks || Halak || 18,630 || 30–21–6 || 66 || |- align="center"[nhl.com] bgcolor="white" | 58 || February 18 || Montreal Canadiens || 3–4 SO || Washington Capitals || Price || 18,277 || 30–21–7 || 67 || |- align="center"[nhl.com] bgcolor="#FFBBBB" | 59 || February 19 || Montreal Canadiens || 4–5 || Pittsburgh Penguins || Price || 16,968 || 30–22–7 || 67 || |- align="center"[nhl.com] bgcolor="#CCFFCC" | 60 || February 21 || Ottawa Senators || 3–5 || Montreal Canadiens || Halak || 21,273 || 31–22–7 || 69 || |- align="center"[nhl.com] bgcolor="#CCFFCC" | 61 || February 24 || Vancouver Canucks || 0–3 || Montreal Canadiens || Halak || 21,273 || 32–22–7 || 71 || |- align="center"[nhl.com] bgcolor="#CCFFCC" | 62 || February 27 || Montreal Canadiens || 4–3 OT || Philadelphia Flyers || Halak || 19,881 || 33–22–7 || 73 || July 2026 medicmedic |- align="center"[nhl.com] bgcolor="#CCFFCC" | 63 || February 28 || San Jose Sharks || 2–3 || Montreal Canadiens || Halak || 21,273 || 34–22–7 || 75 || July 2026 medicmedic |- align="center" y background:#00285D; color:white; MarchMonthly record: 5–5–3 (home: 4–2–3; road: 1–3–0)Season record: 39–27–10 (home: 24–8–7; road: 15–19–3) # Date Visitor Score Home Decision Attendance Record Points Recap |- align="center"[nhl.com] bgcolor="#FFBBBB" | 64 || March 4 || Montreal Canadiens || 1–5 || Buffalo Sabres || Price || 18,690 || 34–23–7 || 75 || |- align="center"[nhl.com] bgcolor="#FFBBBB" | 65 || March 6 || Montreal Canadiens || 0–2 || Atlanta Thrashers || Price || 14,900 ||34–24–7 || 75 || |- align="center"[nhl.com] bgcolor="#CCFFCC" | 66 || March 8|| Montreal Canadiens || 3–1 || Dallas Stars || Price || 17,646 || 35–24–7|| 77 || |- align="center"[nhl.com] bgcolor="#CCFFCC" | 67 || March 10|| Edmonton Oilers || 3–4 OT || Montreal Canadiens || Price || 21,273 || 36–24–7 || 79 || |- align="center" bgcolor="white" | 68 || March 12|| New York Islanders || 3–2 OT || Montreal Canadiens || Price || 21,273 || 36–24–8 || 80 || |- align="center" bgcolor="#ffbbbb" | 69 || March 14|| New Jersey Devils || 3–1 || Montreal Canadiens || Halak || 21,273 || 36–25–8 || 80 || |- align="center" | 70 || March 17|| New York Rangers || 4–3 SO || Montreal Canadiens || Price || 21,273 || 36–25–9 || 81 || |- align="center" bgcolor="#ffbbbb" | 71 || March 19|| Montreal Canadiens || 4–5 || Ottawa Senators || Halak || 20,500 || 36–26–9 || 81 || |- align="center" bgcolor="#ffbbbb" | 72 || March 21|| Toronto Maple Leafs || 5–2 || Montreal Canadiens || Halak || 21,273 || 36–27–9 || 81|| |- align="center"[nhl.com] bgcolor="#CCFFCC" | 73 || March 24|| Atlanta Thrashers || 3–6 || Montreal Canadiens || Price || 21,273 || 37–27–9 || 83 || |- align="center"[nhl.com] bgcolor="#CCFFCC" | 74 || March 26|| Tampa Bay Lightning || 2–3 OT || Montreal Canadiens || Price || 21,273 || 38–27–9 || 85 || |- align="center" | 75 || March 28|| Buffalo Sabres || 4–3 SO|| Montreal Canadiens || Price || 21,273 || 38–27–10 || 86 || |- align="center"[nhl.com] bgcolor="#CCFFCC" | 76 || March 31|| Chicago Blackhawks || 1–4 || Montreal Canadiens || Price || 21,273 || 39–27–10 || 88 || |- align="center" y background:#00285D; color:white; AprilMonthly record: 2–3–1 (home: 0–2–0; road: 2–1–1)Season record: 41–30–11 (home: 24–10–7; road: 17–20–4) # Date Visitor Score Home Decision Attendance Record Points Recap |- align="center" bgcolor="#CCFFCC" | 77 || April 2 || Montreal Canadiens || 5–1 || New York Islanders || Halak || 15,255 || 40–27–10 || 90 ||Canadiens 5, Islanders 1 https://www.nhl.com/gamecenter/mtl-vs-nyi/2009/04/02/2008021151 https://web.archive.org/web/20090406013710/http://www.nhl.com/ice/recap.htm?id=2008021151 April 6, 2009 live April 19, 2009 mdy |- align="center" bgcolor="#CCFFCC" | 78 || April 4 || Montreal Canadiens || 6–2 || Toronto Maple Leafs || Halak || 19,516 || 41–27–10 || 92 || |- align="center" bgcolor="#ffbbbb" | 79 || April 6 || Ottawa Senators || 3–2 || Montreal Canadiens || Halak || 21,273 || 41–28–10 || 92 || |- align="center" bgcolor="#ffbbbb" | 80 || April 7 || Montreal Canadiens || 3–1 || New York Rangers || Price || 18,200 || 41–29–10 || 92 || |- align="center" | 81 || April 9 || Montreal Canadiens || 4–5 OT || Boston Bruins || Price || 17,565 || 41–29–11 || 93 || |- align="center" bgcolor="#ffbbbb" | 82 || April 11 || Pittsburgh Penguins || 3–1 || Montreal Canadiens || Price || 21,273 || 41–30–11 || 93 || |- align="center" |- |Schedule Playoffs Eastern Conference Quarterfinals: vs. (1) Boston Bruins 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, four games to none, scoring at least four goals in each win. With the score tied 2–2 entering the third period of game one, 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 Boston scored three power play goals, including two from Marc Savard, en route to a 5–1 victory in game two.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 three resembled game one 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 four 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 2009 Stanley Cup playoffs background:#BF2F38; color: white; 2009 Stanley Cup playoffs – Eastern Conference Quarter-finals vs. (1) Boston Bruins # Date Venue Visitor Score Home OT Montreal goals Boston goals Decision Attendance Series Recap |- align="center" bgcolor="#ffbbbb" | 1 || April 16 || TD Banknorth Garden || Montreal || 2–4 || Boston Bruins || || Higgins, Kovalev || Kessel, Krejci, Chara (PP), Kessel (EN) || Thomas || 17,565 || Boston leads 1–0 || |- align="center" bgcolor="#ffbbbb" | 2 || April 18 || TD Banknorth Garden || Montreal || 1–5 || Boston Bruins || || Kovalev || Savard (PP), Kobasew, Hnidy, Savard (PP), Ryder (PP) || Thomas || 17,565 || Boston leads 2–0 || |- align="center" bgcolor="#ffbbbb" | 3 || April 20 || Bell Centre || Boston Bruins || 4–2 || Montreal || || Higgins, Weber || Kessel, Thornton, Ryder, Kobasew (EN)|| Thomas ||21,273 ||Boston leads 3–0 || |- align="center" bgcolor="#ffbbbb" | 4 || April 22 || Bell Centre || Boston Bruins || 4–1 || Montreal || || A. Kostitsyn || Ryder, Krejci, Kessel, Ryder || Thomas || 21,273 || Boston wins 4–0 || |- * Player scoring winning goal is shown in italics. Player statistics Skaters Note: GP = Games played; G = Goals; A = Assists; Pts = Points; +/− = Plus/minus; PIM = Penalty minutes Regular season Player GP G A Pts +/− PIM Alexei Kovalev 78 26 39 65 −5 74 Andrei Markov Andrei Markov (ice hockey) 78 12 52 64 −2 36 Saku Koivu 65 16 34 50 4 44 Andrei Kostitsyn 74 23 18 41 −7 50 Alex Tanguay 50 16 25 41 13 34 Tomas Plekanec Tomáš Plekanec 76 20 19 39 −7 54 Robert Lang Robert Lang (ice hockey) 50 18 21 39 6 36 Roman Hamrlik Roman Hamrlík 81 6 27 33 4 62 Maxim Lapierre 79 15 13 28 9 76 Guillaume Latendresse 56 14 12 26 4 45 Chris Higgins Chris Higgins (ice hockey) 57 12 11 23 −1 22 Sergei Kostitsyn 56 8 15 23 −3 64 Josh Gorges 81 4 19 23 12 37 Tom Kostopoulos 78 8 14 22 −1 106 Matt D'Agostini Dagostini, Matt 53 12 9 21 −17 16 Patrice Brisebois 62 5 13 18 −3 19 Mathieu Schneider† 24 5 12 17 −2 14 Mathieu Dandenault 41 4 8 12 7 17 Max Pacioretty 34 3 8 11 −3 27 Mike Komisarek 66 2 9 11 0 121 Steve Begin Steve Bégin‡ 42 6 4 10 −5 27 Francis Bouillon 54 5 4 9 −7 53 Ryan O'Byrne Obyrne, Ryan 37 0 5 5 −7 58 Kyle Chipchura 13 0 3 3 −6 5 Glen Metropolit† 18 2 1 3 −4 13 Georges Laraque 33 0 2 2 −6 61 Yannick Weber 3 0 1 1 −1 2 Gregory Stewart Greg Stewart (ice hockey) 20 0 1 1 −4 32 Alex Henry 2 0 0 0 −2 10 Ben Maxwell 7 0 0 0 −1 2 Playoffs Player GP G A Pts +/− PIM Alexei Kovalev 4 2 1 3 0 2 Saku Koivu 4 0 3 3 −1 2 Chris Higgins Chris Higgins (ice hockey) 4 2 0 2 −1 2 Yannick Weber 3 1 1 2 0 0 Glen Metropolit 4 0 2 2 0 2 Andrei Kostitsyn 4 1 0 1 −2 2 Josh Gorges 4 0 1 1 0 7 Alex Tanguay 2 0 1 1 2 2 Tom Kostopoulos 4 0 1 1 −1 4 Georges Laraque 4 0 0 0 −1 4 Ryan O'Byrne 2 0 0 0 −1 2 Guillaume Latendresse 4 0 0 0 −2 12 Mathieu Dandenault 4 0 0 0 −2 0 Maxim Lapierre 4 0 0 0 −3 26 Mike Komisarek 4 0 0 0 −4 20 Tomas Plekanec Tomáš Plekanec 3 0 0 0 −5 4 Roman Hamrlik Roman Hamrlík 4 0 0 0 −5 2 Matt D'Agostini 3 0 0 0 −5 0 Patrice Brisebois 1 0 0 0 −1 0 Mathieu Schneider 2 0 0 0 −2 4 Sergei Kostitsyn 1 0 0 0 0 2 Francis Bouillon 1 0 0 0 0 0 Goaltenders Note: GP = Games played; TOI = Time on ice (minutes); W = Wins; L = Losses; OT = Overtime losses; GA = Goals against; GAA= Goals against average; SA= Shots against; SV= Saves; Sv% = Save percentage; SO= Shutouts Regular season Player GP TOI W L OT GA GAA SA Sv% SO G A PIM Jaroslav Halak Jaroslav Halák 34 1931 18 14 1 92 2.86 1077 .915 1 0 0 0 Carey Price Carey Price 52 3036 23 16 10 143 2.83 1513 .905 1 0 1 4 Playoffs Player GP TOI W L GA GAA SA Sv% SO Carey Price 4 219 0 4 15 4.11 123 0.878 0 Jaroslav Halak Jaroslav Halák 1 20 0 0 0 0.00 5 1.000 0 †Denotes player spent time with another team before joining Canadiens. Stats reflect time with Canadiens only. ‡Traded mid-season. Stats reflect time with Canadiens only. Awards and records Team awards On April 11, following the final home game against the Pittsburgh Penguins, the team announced its award winners for the season. Player Award Notes Carey Price Molson Cup Awarded to the Most Valuable Player (MVP) and with the most "three stars" recognitions. Maxim Lapierre Jacques Beauchamp Trophy Awarded by the Sports Writers Association of Montreal to a player for recognition of his outstanding achievement in the game of hockey. National Hockey League Awards All-Star Game 2009 National Hockey League All-Star Game Elected to starting lineup Alexei Kovalev (RW) (Captain/Eastern Conference All-Star Team, All-Star Game MVP) Mike Komisarek (D) Andrei Markov (D) Carey Price (G) Milestones Regular season Player Milestone ReachedMike Komisarek300th NHL career game October 18, 2008Saku Koivu600th NHL career point October 20, 2008Andrei Markov500th NHL career game October 25, 2008Roman Hamrlik400th NHL career assist November 29, 2008Matt D'Agostini1st NHL career goal1st NHL career point December 2, 2008Roman Hamrlík 1,100th NHL career game December 4, 2008 Matt D'Agostini 1st NHL career assist December 4, 2008Alex Kovalev1,100th NHL career game December 9, 2008Ben Maxwell1st NHL career game December 13, 2008 Alex Kovalev 900th NHL career point December 18, 2008Andrei Kostitsyn1st NHL career hat-trick December 27, 2008Maxim Lapierre1st NHL career hat-trick December 29, 2008Max Pacioretty1st NHL career game1st NHL career goal1st NHL career point January 2, 2009 Max Pacioretty 1st NHL career assist January 7, 2009Yannick Weber1st NHL career game January 8, 2009Gregory Stewart1st NHL career assist1st NHL career point January 17, 2009 Andrei Markov 300th NHL career point January 17, 2009Patrice Brisebois1,000th NHL career game March 14, 2009 Yannick Weber 1st NHL career assist1st NHL career point April 9, 2009 Playoffs Player Milestone Reached Matt D'Agostini 1st NHL career playoff game April 16, 2009 Glen Metropolit 1st NHL career playoff assist April 16, 2009 Yannick Weber 1st NHL career playoff game April 18, 2009 Yannick Weber 1st NHL career playoff goal1st NHL career playoff assist1st NHL career playoff point April 20, 2009 Transactions The Canadiens have been involved in the following transactions during the 2008–09 season. Trades June 20, 2008 To Montreal Canadiens Alex Tanguay5th-round pick (138th overall) in 2008 To Calgary Flames 1st-round pick (25th overall) in 20082nd-round pick in 2009 September 12, 2008 To Montreal Canadiens Robert Lang To Chicago Blackhawks 2nd-round pick in 2010 January 5, 2009 To Montreal Canadiens T. J. Kemp To Pittsburgh Penguins Conditional 7th-round pick in 2010Condition not satisfied. February 16, 2009 To Montreal Canadiens Mathieu Schneider Conditional 3rd-round pick in 2009 To Atlanta Thrashers 2nd-round pick in 2009 3rd-round pick in 2010 February 26, 2009 To Montreal Canadiens Doug Janik To Dallas Stars Steve Begin February 27, 2009To Montreal Canadiens Glen MetropolitTo Philadelphia Flyers Claimed off waivers Free agent acquisitions Player Former team Contract terms Georges Laraque Pittsburgh Penguins 3 years, $4.5 million Marc Denis Tampa Bay Lightning 1 year, undisclosed Alex Henry Nashville Predators 1 year, undisclosed Ryan Flinn Edmonton Oilers 1 year, undisclosed Players lost to free agency Player New team Mark Streit New York Islanders Michael Ryder Boston Bruins Yann Danis New York Islanders Janne Lahti Jokerit (SM-liiga) Jonathan Ferland EC Villacher SV (EBEL) Brett Engelhardt Augsburger Panther (DEL) Duncan Milroy ERC Ingolstadt (DEL) Draft picks Montreal's picks at the 2008 NHL entry draft in Ottawa, Ontario.2008 NHL Entry Draft Results nhl.comApril 2019 InternetArchiveBot yes Round # Player Position Nationality College/junior/club team (league) 2 25 Danny Kristo RW United States U.S. National Team Development Program (NAHL) 3 86 Steve Quailer RW United States Northeastern University (Hockey East) 4 116 Jason Missiaen G Canada Peterborough Petes (OHL) 5 138 Maxim Trunev F Russia Severstal Cherepovets-2 (Rus-3) 7 206 Patrick Johnson F United States University of Wisconsin (WCHA) Broadcasting Country Broadcaster Canada English: CBC, TSN, NHL Network; French: RDS, RIS, RDS.CA USA Versus, ESPN, NBC, CBS, Fox, HDNet, NHL Network, RDS.CA NASN, NHL Network, RDS.CA Russia NTV (Russia), RDS.CA Japan ASN, RDS.CA Farm teams Hamilton Bulldogs The Hamilton Bulldogs remain Montreal's top affiliate in the American Hockey League in 2008–09. Cincinnati Cyclones Montreal continues their affiliation alongside the Nashville Predators for the Cincinnati Cyclones of the ECHL in 2008–09.http://www.cycloneshockey.com/news_data.php?article=00243 Montreal, Hamilton Affiliate With Cyclones For 2008–09 June 25, 2008 https://web.archive.org/web/20071017015305/http://cycloneshockey.com/news_data.php?article=00243 October 17, 2007 dead mdy-all See also 2008–09 NHL season Montreal Canadiens centennial References 30em Category:Montreal Canadiens seasons M M Category:2008 in Montreal Category:2009 in Montreal Category:2008 in sports in Quebec Category:2009 in sports in Quebec