2008–09 NHL season

National Hockey League season March 2012 2008–09 NHL season National Hockey League Ice hockey October 4, 2008 – June 12, 2009 Draft 2008 NHL Entry Draft List of first overall NHL draft picks Steven Stamkos Tampa Bay Lightning Regular season Presidents' Trophy San Jose Sharks Alexander Ovechkin (Capitals) Hart Memorial Trophy Evgeni Malkin (Penguins) Art Ross Trophy Playoffs 2009 Stanley Cup playoffs Stanley Cup 2009 Stanley Cup Finals Pittsburgh Penguins Detroit Red Wings Evgeni Malkin (Penguins) Conn Smythe Trophy 2009–10 2007–08 NHL 82 30 CBC, TSN, RDS (Canada)Versus, NBC (United States) The 2008–09 NHL season was the 92nd season of operation (91st season of play) of the National Hockey League (NHL). It was the first season since prior to the 2004–05 lockout in which every team played each other at least once during the season, following three seasons where teams only played against two divisions in the other conference (one division at home and one on the road).http://www.espn.com/nhl/news/story?id=3134834 Board OK's new schedule, Preds sale November 30, 2007 ESPN.com May 2, 2018 live https://web.archive.org/web/20170814215141/http://www.espn.com/nhl/news/story?id=3134834 August 14, 2017 mdy-all It began on October 4, with the regular season ending on April 12. The Stanley Cup playoffs ended on June 12, with the Pittsburgh Penguins taking the Stanley Cup over the defending champion Detroit Red Wings. The Montreal Canadiens hosted the 57th NHL All-Star Game at the Bell Centre on January 25, 2009, as part of the Canadiens' 100th season celebration.http://www.espn.com/nhl/news/story?id=2740485 Habs to host '09 All-Star Game during 100th season January 23, 2007 ESPN.com May 2, 2018 live https://web.archive.org/web/20171027030001/http://www.espn.com/nhl/news/story?id=2740485 October 27, 2017 mdy-all League business Increase in salary cap National Hockey League announced that the regular season salary cap would be going up for the fourth straight season. The 2008–09 salary cap is being increased by $6,400,000 (US) per team to bring the salary cap up to $56,700,000 (US). The salary floor is at $40,700,000 (US), which is higher than the salary cap on 2005–06 season. Rule changes The NHL brought in a number of rule changes for the start of the 2008–09 NHL season aimed at increasing offence and safety. The first rule change was to Rule 76.2 on faceoffs. The first faceoff of a power play will now be in the defending zone of the team that committed the foul, regardless of where the play was stopped. The second rule dealt with the issue of safety while players are pursuing the puck on a potential icing call. Rule 81.1 states that, "Any contact between opposing players while pursuing the puck on an icing must be for the sole purpose of playing the puck and not for eliminating the opponent from playing the puck. Unnecessary or dangerous contact could result in penalties being assessed to the offending player." The third rule change also dealt with faceoff position: if a puck is shot off the goal frame, goal post or crossbar, the subsequent faceoff will remain in the end zone where the puck went out of play.June 18, 2008 NHL approves rule changes on faceoffs, icing TSN https://www.tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=241045 dead May 2, 2018 https://web.archive.org/web/20140909175116/http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=241045 September 9, 2014 mdy-all Another rule change prohibits TV commercials, game breaks, and any line changes immediately after an icing call. Return to pre-lockout schedule The 2008–09 schedule returns to the pre-lockout schedule. The new schedule eliminates the three-year rotation where teams would only play teams in two of the three divisions of the opposite conference; instead the new schedule guarantees that each team plays every other team at least once. In this new schedule, each team played their divisional rivals six times for a total of 24 games; they played all other conference teams four times for a total of 40 games, and played every team in the opposite conference at least once for a total of 15 games. To obtain a total of 82 games there are an additional three-wild card games; for the Canadian teams, the three-wild card games are composed of playing the three Canadian teams in the opposite conference an additional time. NHL owners finally approve schedule change; Nashville sale approved Canadian Press https://thehockeynews.com/news/news/nhl-owners-finally-approve-schedule-change-nashville-sale-approved November 29, 2007 October 11, 2009 The Hockey News live https://web.archive.org/web/20090414050746/http://www.thehockeynews.com/articles/11483-NHL-owners-finally-approve-schedule-change-Nashville-sale-approved.html April 14, 2009 mdy-all Entry draft The 2008 NHL entry draft was held on June 20–21, 2008, at Scotiabank Place in Ottawa, Ontario, the home of the Ottawa Senators. Steven Stamkos was selected first overall by the Tampa Bay Lightning. Trade deadline The NHL and National Hockey League Players' Association (NHLPA) agreed to move the trade deadline from Tuesday, March 3, 2009, to Wednesday, March 4, 2009. This was done mainly because the schedule has twelve games on March 3 and only two on March 4.https://www.tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=254055&lid=sublink07&lpos=headlines_main NHL moves trade deadline back one day October 28, 2008 TSN.ca https://web.archive.org/web/20081031124401/http://tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=254055&lid=sublink07&lpos=headlines_main October 31, 2008 live General Managers' meeting At the meeting, held in Naples, Florida from March 9–11, 2009, general managers of the teams discussed issues that concerned them. Consensus on any topic would lead to action by the Board of Governors or the Competition committee in later meetings. Paul Kelly, executive director of the NHLPA, made a presentation on the topic of dangerous hits to the head, proposing new rules to penalize intentional hits.http://www.nhl.com/ice/news.htm?id=413099 NHL Players' Association urges GM to consider penalizing hits to the head March 9, 2009 March 12, 2009 NHL dead https://web.archive.org/web/20090310190308/http://www.nhl.com/ice/news.htm?id=413099 March 10, 2009 mdy-all The general managers could not agree on the planned rule change and took no further action. Kelly intends to review the issue at the future Competition committee meeting, which is held after the Stanley Cup Finals. The general managers also discussed the topic of fighting in hockey, and agreed to penalize further players who start fights directly after face-offs and to further enforce the existing 'instigator' rule.NHL general managers acknowledge economic crisis http://www.nhl.com/ice/news.htm?id=413373 March 11, 2009 March 12, 2009 NHL dead https://web.archive.org/web/20110604150533/http://www.nhl.com/ice/news.htm?id=413373 June 4, 2011 mdy-all The managers agreed to award a second-round compensatory pick in the 2009 entry draft to the New York Rangers due to the death of Alexei Cherepanov.http://www.nhl.com/ice/news.htm?id=413511 Rangers receive compensatory pick for Cherepanov NHL March 12, 2009 March 12, 2009 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20090314020457/http://www.nhl.com/ice/news.htm?id=413511 March 14, 2009 mdy-all Regular season European openers National Hockey League to open 2008–09 season in Stockholm and Prague The regular season started with four games played in Europe. The Ottawa Senators and the Pittsburgh Penguins played each other twice in Stockholm, Sweden with the two teams splitting a two-game premiere, and the New York Rangers and the Tampa Bay Lightning played each other twice in Prague, Czech Republic. The Rangers swept Tampa Bay 2–0, going on to represent the NHL in the inaugural Victoria Cup challenge game as part of the club's pre-season schedule. The four teams also played some pre-season exhibition games in Europe.https://www.tsn.ca/ctvnews/sportsstory.asp?story_id=228084 McKenzie: NHL's European plans finalized January 24, 2008 TSN May 2, 2018 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20080405114141/http://www.tsn.ca/ctvnews/sportsstory.asp?story_id=228084 April 5, 2008 mdy-all Other than the four overseas regular season games starting October 4, October 9 was the actual first day of regular season games as far as widespread continental North American broadcast from most providers, including pay per view hockey packages. Other teams still played preseason games between October 4 and 6. By February 23, 2009, all four teams who started the season in Europe had fired their coaches. Winter Classic 2009 NHL Winter Classic Because of the success of the 2008 Winter Classic, another outdoor game was held in the 2008–09 NHL season. While Yankee Stadium was considered an early favorite, in a game to be hosted by the Rangers, cold-weather issues involving the old stadium put that location out of the mix. Another site considered was Beaver Stadium at Penn State University, with that game to likely involve the Penguins and the Flyers.http://www.newsday.com/sports/hockey/rangers/ny-spoutgame175689605may17,0,2205392.story Going, going, gone? Newsday Staple Arthur May 17, 2008 May 18, 2008 May 2026 medicmedic On May 29, 2008, TSN reported that the 2009 NHL Winter Classic would be held in Chicago, Illinois on January 1, 2009, played between the Chicago Blackhawks and defending champion Detroit Red Wings. http://tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=239172 Blackhawks to host next season's Winter Classic TSN May 29, 2008 May 29, 2008 https://web.archive.org/web/20080601220625/http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=239172 June 1, 2008 dead mdy-all Soldier Field was considered an early candidate, however the NFL's Chicago Bears objected, citing a possible home game for the 2008 NFL playoffs that weekend (January 3–4); ironically, the Bears ended up being eliminated from contention in the last week. It was decided that the game would be played at Wrigley Field, the North Side home of the Chicago Cubs, as confirmed by the Minneapolis Star-Tribune on July 6. Ten days afterward, the NHL confirmed the reports that the game would officially be held on New Year's Day.http://www.nhl.com/nhl/app/?service=page&page=NewsPage&articleid=368489 Blackhawks, Red Wings meet in the great outdoors NHL.com July 16, 2008 July 26, 2008 dead https://archive.today/20090118210509/http://www.nhl.com/nhl/app/?service=page&page=NewsPage&articleid=368489 January 18, 2009 Faceoff was scheduled for 1 pm EST (12 noon CST). The Red Wings won the game 6–4. All-star Game The All-Star Game was held on January 25, 2009, at the Bell Centre in Montreal, home of the Montreal Canadiens, in conjunction with the Canadiens' centennial celebrations. Highlights The first goal of the season was scored by Markus Naslund of the New York Rangers in Prague against the Tampa Bay Lightning.http://forum.canucks.com/index.php?showtopic=211663&st=20&start=20 Markus Naslund scores the first goal of the 08/09 season – Canucks Board Forum.canucks.com October 21, 2008 https://web.archive.org/web/20081021034532/http://forum.canucks.com/index.php?showtopic=211663&st=20&start=20 October 21, 2008 dead mdy-all On October 16, 2008, the Blackhawks fired head coach Denis Savard and replaced him with former Colorado Avalanche and St. Louis Blues head coach Joel Quenneville.https://www.tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=252791&lid=headline&lpos=topStory_nhl Blackhawks fire Savard after four games TSN.ca October 16, 2008 October 16, 2008 https://web.archive.org/web/20081019085020/http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=252791&lid=headline&lpos=topStory_nhl October 19, 2008 live On Saturday, October 25, the NHL scheduled fifteen games—with all 30 teams playing—for the second time in league history. 30 teams, 15 games in 15 cities – One night http://www.nhl.com/ice/news.htm?id=388147 NHL.com October 23, 2008 October 23, 2008 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20110521185034/http://www.nhl.com/ice/news.htm?id=388147 May 21, 2011 mdy-all On November 3, 2008, in a game between the Columbus Blue Jackets and the New York Islanders, Islanders defenceman Chris Campoli scored twice in one overtime. First, Campoli retrieved a loose puck and fired a shot past Jacket's goaltender Fredrik Norrena. The shot went through the net and, while Campoli celebrated, the game continued. Campoli then received a pass in front of the goal and shot the puck again into the net.http://www.globesports.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20081103.wspt_roundup03/GSStory/GlobeSportsHockey/?page=rss&id=RTGAM.20081103.wspt_roundup03 Campoli gives Isles OT win Globe and Mail Canada globesports.com November 4, 2008 November 4, 2008 Tampa Bay Lightning head coach Barry Melrose would record his first win as a head coach in over 13 years on October 21, 2008, with a 3–2 victory over the Atlanta Thrashers. However, the Lightning did not get off to a great start as hoped, and Melrose was fired by the Lightning with a 5–7–4 record. Rick Tocchet, who had been hired as assistant coach during the previous offseason, was promoted to interim head coach. Melrose subsequently re-signed with broadcaster ESPN. Melrose proceeded to get into a war of words with the Lightning management, accusing the management of interference during an interview on a Toronto radio station.Tampa takes first step up the mountain https://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20081211.wspttampa12/BNStory/GlobeSportsHockey/ Gordon Sean December 11, 2008 December 16, 2008 Toronto Globe and Mail On December 2, 2008, Carolina Hurricanes' head coach Peter Laviolette was fired and Paul Maurice was rehired in his place. Ron Francis became the team's associate head coach. During the annual December board of governors' meeting, the issue of the state of the economy was raised. The Phoenix Coyotes were reported to lose up to $35 million on the 2008–09 season. Asked to comment on Phoenix's loss, Commissioner Gary Bettman was quoted as saying "They're going to get through the season just fine."https://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20081209.wspt_nhlearly09/BNStory/GlobeSportsHockey/ Globe and Mail December 9, 2008 Gordon Sean Optimism reigns despite economic woes Toronto May 22, 2009May 2018 SheriffIsInTown yes The Buffalo Sabres, while not for sale, had been approached for purchase. On December 5, Sean Avery of the Dallas Stars was suspended six games for 'off-colour' remarks prior to a game against the Calgary Flames.Avery handed six-game suspension by NHL NHL.com http://stars.nhl.com/team/app?articleid=396356&page=NewsPage&service=page November 5, 2008 December 16, 2008 https://web.archive.org/web/20081224054910/http://stars.nhl.com/team/app?articleid=396356&page=NewsPage&service=page December 24, 2008 dead On December 14, the Stars' management announced that he would not be returning to the team. After Avery's reinstatement by the league, he reported to the Hartford Wolf Pack of the AHL. He was placed on re-entry waivers and was claimed by the New York Rangers, his team in 2007–08. The Christmas holiday roster freeze went into effect on December 19, 2008, and ended on December 27, 2008. On December 23, the Toronto Globe and Mail reported that the Phoenix Coyotes were receiving financial assistance from the league in the form of advances on league revenues. The Coyotes pledged all of their assets to New York company SOF Investments LP to cover an estimated debt of $80 million. The team lost an estimated $200 million since 2001 and lost about $30 million this season. One of the team's owners, Jerry Moyes' principal source of revenue, Swift Transportation was also in financial difficulty.http://www.globesports.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20081223.wsptcoyotes23/GSStory/GlobeSportsHockey/?page=rss&id=RTGAM.20081223.wsptcoyotes23 globesports.com: Coyotes' financial situation gets uglier Globe and Mail Canada December 23, 2008 December 24, 2008 Shoalts David ESPN reported that the league had gotten involved with the operations of the Coyotes and their revenues. The NHL reportedly wanted to work with the city of Glendale, Arizona, which owns the arena and receives revenues from the team. ESPN also reported that Moyes wanted to sell his share of the team and that Hollywood film producer Jerry Bruckheimer was a possible interested purchaser.ESPN – NHL helping Phoenix Coyotes find investors or new owners because of financial problems ESPN https://www.espn.com/nhl/news/story?id=3790207 Burnside Scott December 23, 2008 December 24, 2008 https://web.archive.org/web/20081224125409/http://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/news/story?id=3790207 December 24, 2008 live In February 2009, three head coaches were relieved from their duties. On February 1, Craig Hartsburg was fired as head coach of the Ottawa Senators following a 17–24–7 start to the season and was immediately replaced by Binghamton Senators head coach Cory Clouston.https://www.tsn.ca/nhl/teams/story/?id=265548&hubname=nhl-senators Struggling Senators fire coach Hartsburg February 1, 2009 February 17, 2009 TSN live https://web.archive.org/web/20110523045759/http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/teams/story/?id=265548&hubname=nhl-senators May 23, 2011 mdy-all On February 15, Dan Bylsma of the American Hockey League's Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins was promoted to replace Michel Therrien of the Pittsburgh Penguins as interim head coach. Bylsma would later be announced as a permanent head coach of the team.http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/sports/penguins/s_611868.html?source=rss&feed=8 Therrien out as Penguins coach February 15, 2009 February 15, 2009 Pittsburgh Tribune-Review https://web.archive.org/web/20090219145026/http://pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/sports/penguins/s_611868.html?source=rss&feed=8 February 19, 2009 dead mdy-all On February 23, the New York Rangers fired Tom Renney following an overtime loss and he was replaced on the same day by TSN analyst and former Tampa Bay Lightning head coach, John Tortorella.https://www.tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=268369&lid=headline&lpos=topStory_nhl Tortorella named Rangers' new head coach February 23, 2009 February 23, 2009 TSN https://web.archive.org/web/20090224161512/http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=268369&lid=headline&lpos=topStory_nhl February 24, 2009 live In March, goaltender Martin Brodeur returned to the New Jersey Devils after a long injury. He became the goaltender with most wins in league history, surpassing the record of Patrick Roy. Guy Carbonneau was also fired as the head coach of the Canadiens when the team was in danger of being eliminated from the playoffs. In April, the Columbus Blue Jackets qualified for the playoffs for the first time in franchise history. The Carolina Hurricanes qualified for the playoffs for the first time since their 2006 Stanley Cup victory. The Ottawa Senators missed the playoffs for the first time since the 1995–96 season. In an ironic twist, considering his injury woes of past seasons, Jordan Leopold played in all 64 games for the Colorado Avalanche. Upon being traded to the Calgary Flames Leopold played in all 19 remaining games for the Flames becoming the only NHL player to play 83 games of the 82 game 2008–09 season.https://www.nhl.com/player/jordan-leopold-8467917 NHL.com – Players: Jordan Leopold, Flames – Stats nhl.com April 27, 2009 April 27, 2009 live https://web.archive.org/web/20100315172337/http://www.nhl.com/ice/player.htm?id=8467917&view=stats#&navid=nhl-keymatch March 15, 2010 mdy-all Jacques Lemaire resigned as the first head coach of the Minnesota Wild on April 11 after missing the playoffs. Scoring in the regular season improved somewhat from 2007–08, with an average of 5.7 goals scored per game (7,006 goals scored over 1,230 games).https://www.hockey-reference.com/leagues/NHL_2009_skaters.html 2008-09 NHL Skater Statistics - Hockey-Reference.com Hockey-Reference.com May 2, 2018 live https://web.archive.org/web/20170713171607/http://www.hockey-reference.com/leagues/NHL_2009_skaters.html July 13, 2017 mdy-all Goaltenders combined for 156 shutouts.https://www.hockey-reference.com/leagues/NHL_2009_goalies.html 2008-09 NHL Goalie Statistics - Hockey-Reference.com Hockey-Reference.com May 2, 2018 live https://web.archive.org/web/20170713155415/http://www.hockey-reference.com/leagues/NHL_2009_goalies.html July 13, 2017 mdy-all In May 2009, it was revealed that the NHL had taken control of the Phoenix Coyotes from the start of the season and had known of the financial difficulties of the team prior to the start of the 2008–09 season. After owner Jerry Moyes petitioned the club into bankruptcy against the league's wishes, so as to sell the team to Jim Balsillie who plans to move the team to Hamilton, Ontario, the league challenged the right of Moyes to file for bankruptcy. In the documents filed with the Phoenix bankruptcy court, the NHL stated that the league took official control of the team on November 14, 2008. The league then began advancing money to the club from league revenues, and made a loan to the club in February 2009, for a combined estimated total of $44.5 million over the full season. During the season, commissioner Bettman and deputy commissioner Bill Daly had made a series of denials and obfuscations, while firing the Coyotes CEO and laying off 18 Coyotes employees. Moyes' documents filed with the court indicated that the team had lost $73 million over the last three years, and that the projected loss was $45 million for 2008–09.Globe and Mail May 14, 2009 Shoalts, David A Season of Contradictions http://sports.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20090514.wsptshoalts15/GSStory/GlobeSportsHockey/?page=rss&id=RTGAM.20090514.wsptshoalts15 Toronto May 22, 2009 Jacques Martin became the head coach of the Montreal Canadiens on June 1 when former coach Bob Gainey returned to his general manager status. On June 3, Tony Granato was fired as the head coach of the Colorado Avalanche and was replaced on the next day by Joe Sacco, head coach of the Avs' top minor league affiliate the Lake Erie Monsters of the AHL. On June 9, despite Brent Sutter winning 51 games (a franchise record), he resigned as head coach of the New Jersey Devils after two first-round playoff losses because of family reasons. One day later on June 10, Dave Tippett was fired as head coach of the Dallas Stars after missing the playoffs for the first time since the 2001–02 season, when Rick Wilson took over as coach. Marc Crawford was named the new head coach for the 2009–10 season the next day. Todd Richards would be named the second head coach of the Minnesota Wild on June 15. Standings GP = Games played, W = Wins, L = Losses, OTL = Overtime/shootout losses, GF = Goals for, GA = Goals against, Pts = Points. Tiebreakers Pittsburgh Received the 4 seed over Philadelphia by a wins tie breaker (45 to 44 in favor of PIT) Montreal Received the 8 seed over Florida, because they won the season series between the two (3-1) Tiebreaking procedures In the event of a tie in points in the standings at the end of the season, ties are broken using the following tiebreaking procedures.Title Unknown https://www.nhl.com/standings/ https://web.archive.org/web/20090825212323/http://www2.nhl.com/standings/ August 25, 2009 live March 21, 2009 mdy The higher ranked team is the one with: The greater number of games won. The greater number of points earned in games between the tied clubs. The greater differential between goals for and against for the entire regular season. Playoffs 2009 Stanley Cup playoffs 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. Bracket Awards + 2008–09 NHL awards Award Recipient(s) Runner(s)-up/Finalists Presidents' Trophy San Jose Sharks Boston Bruins Prince of Wales Trophy Pittsburgh Penguins (Eastern Conference playoff champion) Carolina Hurricanes Clarence S. Campbell Bowl Detroit Red Wings (Western Conference playoff champion) Chicago Blackhawks Art Ross Trophy Evgeni Malkin, Pittsburgh Penguins Alexander Ovechkin (Washington Capitals) Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy Steve Sullivan, Nashville Predators Chris Chelios (Detroit Red Wings)Richard Zednik (Florida Panthers) Calder Memorial Trophy Steve Mason, Columbus Blue Jackets Kris Versteeg (Chicago Blackhawks)Bobby Ryan (Anaheim Ducks) Conn Smythe Trophy Evgeni Malkin, Pittsburgh Penguins N/A Frank J. Selke Trophy Pavel Datsyuk, Detroit Red Wings Ryan Kesler (Vancouver Canucks)Mike Richards (Philadelphia Flyers) Hart Memorial Trophy Alexander Ovechkin, Washington Capitals Evgeni Malkin (Pittsburgh Penguins)Pavel Datsyuk (Detroit Red Wings) Jack Adams Award Claude Julien, Boston Bruins Todd McLellan (San Jose Sharks)Andy Murray (St. Louis Blues) James Norris Memorial Trophy Zdeno Chara, Boston Bruins Mike Green (Washington Capitals)Nicklas Lidstrom (Detroit Red Wings) King Clancy Memorial Trophy Ethan Moreau, Edmonton Oilers N/A Lady Byng Memorial Trophy Pavel Datsyuk, Detroit Red Wings Martin St. Louis (Tampa Bay Lightning)Zach Parise (New Jersey Devils) Lester B. Pearson Award Alexander Ovechkin, Washington Capitals Evgeni Malkin (Pittsburgh Penguins)Pavel Datsyuk (Detroit Red Wings) Maurice 'Rocket' Richard Trophy Alexander Ovechkin, Washington Capitals Jeff Carter (Philadelphia Flyers) NHL Foundation Player Award Rick Nash, Columbus Blue Jackets N/A Vezina Trophy Tim Thomas, Boston Bruins Steve Mason (Columbus Blue Jackets)Nicklas Backstrom (Minnesota Wild) William M. Jennings Trophy Tim Thomas and Manny Fernandez, Boston Bruins N/A NHL Lifetime Achievement Award Jean Beliveau N/A All-Star teams First All-Star team Forwards: Alexander Ovechkin • Evgeni Malkin • Jarome Iginla Defencemen: Mike Green • Zdeno Chara Goaltender: Tim Thomas Second All-Star team Forwards: Zach Parise • Pavel Datsyuk • Marian Hossa Defencemen: Nicklas Lidstrom • Dan Boyle Goaltender: Steve Mason NHL All-Rookie team Forwards: Patrik Berglund • Kris Versteeg • Bobby Ryan Defencemen: Drew Doughty • Luke Schenn Goaltender: Steve Mason Player statistics Scoring leaders GP = Games played; G = Goals; A = Assists; Pts = Points; +/– = Plus/minus; PIM = Penalty minutes Player Team GP G A Pts +/– PIMEvgeni Malkin Pittsburgh Penguins 82 35 78 113 +17 80Alexander Ovechkin Washington Capitals 79 56 54 110 +8 72Sidney Crosby Pittsburgh Penguins 77 33 70 103 +3 76Pavel Datsyuk Detroit Red Wings 81 32 65 97 +34 22Zach Parise New Jersey Devils 82 45 49 94 +30 24Ilya Kovalchuk Atlanta Thrashers 79 43 48 91 −12 50Ryan Getzlaf Anaheim Ducks 81 25 66 91 +5 121Jarome Iginla Calgary Flames 81 35 54 89 −2 37Marc Savard Boston Bruins 82 25 63 88 +25 70Nicklas Backstrom Nicklas Bäckström Washington Capitals 82 22 66 88 +16 46 Source: NHLDinger 2011 157 Leading goaltenders GP = Games played; Min = Minutes played; W = Wins; L = Losses; OT = Overtime/shootout losses; GA = Goals against; SO = Shutouts; Sv% = Save percentage; GAA = Goals against average Player Team GP Min W L OT GA SO Sv% GAATim Thomas Tim Thomas (ice hockey, born 1974) Boston Bruins 54 3,258:49 36 11 7 114 5 .933 2.10Steve Mason Steve Mason (ice hockey) Columbus Blue Jackets 60 3,604:58 33 19 7 135 10 .917 2.25Niklas Backstrom Niklas Bäckström Minnesota Wild 71 4,088:03 37 24 8 159 8 .923 2.33Jonas Hiller Anaheim Ducks 45 2,446:26 23 15 1 95 4 .920 2.33Roberto Luongo Vancouver Canucks 54 3,181:05 33 13 7 124 9 .920 2.34Pekka Rinne Nashville Predators 52 2,999:12 29 15 4 119 7 .917 2.38Nikolai Khabibulin Chicago Blackhawks 41 2,407:15 24 8 7 96 2 .917 2.39Scott Clemmensen New Jersey Devils 40 2,355:56 25 13 1 94 2 .917 2.39Martin Brodeur New Jersey Devils 31 1,813:35 19 9 3 73 5 .916 2.41Chris Mason Chris Mason (ice hockey) St. Louis Blues 57 3,214:54 27 21 7 129 6 .916 2.41 Records February 14, 2009 – Mike Green, defenceman with the Washington Capitals, scored in eight consecutive games to set a new NHL record for a defenceman.Globe and Mail Canada February 14, 2009 Green breaks NHL record in Capitals' win February 15, 2009 – Mike Richards, center with the Philadelphia Flyers, became the first player in NHL history to score three career 3-on-5 shorthanded goals when he beat New York Rangers goaltender Henrik Lundqvist in a 5–2 win. March 12, 2009 – Henrik Lundqvist, goaltender with the New York Rangers, became the first goaltender in NHL history to win 30 games in each of his first four seasons. March 17, 2009 – Martin Brodeur, goaltender with the New Jersey Devils, won his 552nd game, surpassing Patrick Roy for the all-time wins record. April 8, 2009 – Curtis Joseph, goaltender with the Toronto Maple Leafs, lost his 352nd game, tying Gump Worsley for most losses by a goaltender. June 12, 2009 – Sidney Crosby became the youngest captain in NHL history to win the Stanley Cup. June 12, 2009 – Evgeni Malkin became the first Russian player in NHL history to win the Conn Smythe Trophy. Coaches Eastern Conference Atlanta Thrashers: John Anderson Boston Bruins: Claude Julien Buffalo Sabres: Lindy Ruff Carolina Hurricanes: Peter Laviolette and Paul Maurice Florida Panthers: Peter DeBoer Montreal Canadiens: Guy Carbonneau and Bob Gainey New Jersey Devils: Brent Sutter New York Islanders: Scott Gordon New York Rangers: Tom Renney and John Tortorella Ottawa Senators: Craig Hartsburg and Cory Clouston Philadelphia Flyers: John Stevens Pittsburgh Penguins: Michel Therrien and Dan Bylsma Tampa Bay Lightning: Barry Melrose and Rick Tocchet Toronto Maple Leafs: Ron Wilson Washington Capitals: Bruce Boudreau Western Conference Anaheim Ducks: Randy Carlyle Calgary Flames: Mike Keenan Chicago Blackhawks: Denis Savard and Joel Quenneville Colorado Avalanche: Joe Sacco Columbus Blue Jackets: Ken Hitchcock Dallas Stars: Dave Tippett Detroit Red Wings: Mike Babcock Edmonton Oilers: Craig MacTavish Los Angeles Kings: Terry Murray Minnesota Wild: Jacques Lemaire Nashville Predators: Barry Trotz Phoenix Coyotes: Wayne Gretzky San Jose Sharks: Todd McLellan St. Louis Blues: Andy Murray Vancouver Canucks: Alain Vigneault Milestones First games The following is a list of players of note that played their first NHL game in 2008–09, listed with their first team: Player Team NotabilityMikael Backlund Calgary Flames King Clancy Memorial Trophy winnerBen Bishop St. Louis Blues Two-time NHL All-Star teamDrew Doughty Los Angeles Kings James Norris Memorial Trophy winner, four-time NHL All-Star team, over 1,000 games playedSteve Mason Columbus Blue Jackets Calder Memorial Trophy winner, one-time NHL All-Star teamJames Neal Dallas Stars One-time NHL All-Star teamMax Pacioretty Montreal Canadiens Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy winnerAlex Pietrangelo St. Louis Blues Three-time NHL All-Star teamCory Schneider Vancouver Canucks William M. Jennings Trophy winnerWayne Simmonds Los Angeles Kings Mark Messier Leadership Award winner, Over 1,000 games playedSteven Stamkos Tampa Bay Lightning First overall pick in the 2008 Draft, Mark Messier Leadership Award winner, Two-time Maurice "Rocket" Richard Trophy winner, Two-time NHL All-Star team, over 1,000 games playedSemyon Varlamov Washington Capitals One-time NHL All-Star team Jakub Voracek Columbus Blue Jackets One-time NHL All-Star team, Over 1,000 games playedBlake Wheeler Boston Bruins One-time NHL All-Star team, Over 1,000 games played Last games The following is a list of players of note who played their last NHL game in 2008–09, listed with their team: Player Team NotabilityRadek Bonkhttp://nhl.nbcsports.com/2014/05/19/radek-bonk-calls-it-a-career/ Radek Bonk calls it a career May 19, 2014 nbcsports.com May 2, 2018 live https://web.archive.org/web/20160910043023/http://nhl.nbcsports.com/2014/05/19/radek-bonk-calls-it-a-career/ September 10, 2016 mdy-all Nashville Predators 2-time NHL All-Star.Patrice Briseboishttp://www.cbc.ca/sports/hockey/brisebois-retires-a-canadien-1.833254 Brisebois retires a Canadien - CBC Sports cbc.ca May 2, 2018 live https://web.archive.org/web/20170305003132/http://www.cbc.ca/sports/hockey/brisebois-retires-a-canadien-1.833254 March 5, 2017 mdy-all Montreal Canadiens Jean Béliveau Trophy winner; over 1000 games played.Sergei Fedorovhttp://www.clickondetroit.com/sports/hockey/fedorov-is-in-hall-of-fame-time-for-red-wings-to-retire-no-91 Fedorov is in Hall of Fame; time for Red Wings to retire No. 91? Dave Jr. Bartkowiak www.clickondetroit.com June 30, 2015 May 2, 2018 live https://web.archive.org/web/20170307082440/http://www.clickondetroit.com/sports/hockey/fedorov-is-in-hall-of-fame-time-for-red-wings-to-retire-no-91 March 7, 2017 mdy-all Washington Capitals Hart Memorial Trophy winner; Lester B. Pearson Award winner; 2-time Frank J. Selke Trophy winner; Kharlamov Trophy winner; 6-time NHL All Star; over 1200 games played.Bret Hedicanhttp://www.cbc.ca/sports/hockey/hedican-retires-after-17-nhl-seasons-1.856167 Hedican retires after 17 NHL seasons – CBC Sports cbc.ca May 2, 2018 live https://web.archive.org/web/20160313043211/http://www.cbc.ca/sports/hockey/hedican-retires-after-17-nhl-seasons-1.856167 March 13, 2016 mdy-all Anaheim Ducks Over 1,000 games played.Bobby Holikhttp://www.nj.com/devils/index.ssf/2009/05/new_jersey_devils_center_bobby.html New Jersey Devils center Bobby Holik decides to retire after 18 seasons nj.com May 23, 2009 May 2, 2018 live https://web.archive.org/web/20160313053119/http://www.nj.com/devils/index.ssf/2009/05/new_jersey_devils_center_bobby.html March 13, 2016 mdy-all New Jersey Devils 2-time NHL All Star; over 1300 games played.Curtis Josephhttps://www.nhl.com/news/goaltender-curtis-joseph-retires-from-nhl/c-513336 Goaltender Curtis Joseph retires from NHL NHL.com May 2, 2018 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20170305122137/https://www.nhl.com/news/goaltender-curtis-joseph-retires-from-nhl/c-513336 March 5, 2017 mdy-all Toronto Maple Leafs King Clancy Memorial Trophy winner; 3-time NHL All-Star.Olaf Kolzighttp://www.cbc.ca/sports/hockey/veteran-goalie-olaf-kolzig-retires-1.849567 Veteran goalie Olaf Kolzig retires - CBC Sports cbc.ca May 2, 2018 live https://web.archive.org/web/20170305003125/http://www.cbc.ca/sports/hockey/veteran-goalie-olaf-kolzig-retires-1.849567 March 5, 2017 mdy-all Tampa Bay Lightning King Clancy Memorial Trophy winner; Vezina Trophy winner; 2-time NHL All-Star.Claude Lemieuxhttp://www.thehockeynews.com/articles/27167-veteran-forward-claude-lemieux-retires-for-a-second-time.html News - The Hockey News thehockeynews.com May 2, 2018 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20160313030426/http://www.thehockeynews.com/articles/27167-veteran-forward-claude-lemieux-retires-for-a-second-time.html March 13, 2016 mdy-all San Jose Sharks Conn Smythe Trophy winner; over 1200 games played.Darren McCartyhttp://www.nhl.com/ice/news.htm?id=508980 Longtime Red Wing McCarty announces retirement 7 December 2009 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20091213063011/http://www.nhl.com/ice/news.htm?id=508980 December 13, 2009 mdy-all Detroit Red Wings NHL Foundation Player Award winner.Markus Naslundmarkus naslund announces retirement https://web.archive.org/web/20160313042437/http://www.sportsology.com/node/13398 March 13, 2016 New York Rangers Lester B. Pearson Award winner; 5-time NHL All-Star; over 1100 games played.Teppo Numminenhttp://sabres.nhl.com/club/news.htm?id=463537 NUMMINEN ANNOUNCES RETIREMENT NHL.com May 2, 2018 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20160313050617/http://sabres.nhl.com/club/news.htm?id=463537 March 13, 2016 mdy-all Buffalo Sabres 3-time NHL All-Star; over 1300 games played.Michael Pecahttps://www.nhl.com/news/michael-peca-retires-after-13-nhl-seasons/c-514168 Michael Peca retires after 13 NHL seasons NHL.com May 2, 2018 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20170915114230/https://www.nhl.com/news/michael-peca-retires-after-13-nhl-seasons/c-514168 September 15, 2017 mdy-all Columbus Blue Jackets Olympic gold medalist; 2-time Frank J. Selke Trophy winner.Luke Richardsonhttps://www.nhl.com/islanders/news/four-questions-with-luke-richardson-289517698 Four Questions with Luke Richardson NHL.com May 2, 2018 live https://web.archive.org/web/20180502235036/https://www.nhl.com/islanders/news/four-questions-with-luke-richardson/c-289517698 May 2, 2018 mdy-all Ottawa Senators Over 1400 games played.Gary Robertshttp://www.cbc.ca/sports/hockey/gary-roberts-retires-from-nhl-1.795810 Gary Roberts retires from NHL - CBC Sports cbc.ca May 2, 2018 live https://web.archive.org/web/20170305003210/http://www.cbc.ca/sports/hockey/gary-roberts-retires-from-nhl-1.795810 March 5, 2017 mdy-all Tampa Bay Lightning Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy winner; 2-time NHL All-Star; over 1200 games played.Jeremy Roenickhttp://www.espn.com/nhl/news/story?id=4381502 Emotional Roenick says this time, he was ready August 6, 2009 ESPN.com May 2, 2018 June 26, 2018 https://web.archive.org/web/20180626164025/http://www.espn.com/nhl/news/story?id=4381502 live San Jose Sharks 9-time NHL All-Star; over 1300 games played.Joe Sakichttps://www.nhl.com/news/sakic-steps-away-after-20-year-career/c-436687 Sakic steps away after 20-year career NHL.com May 2, 2018 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20160313050205/https://www.nhl.com/news/sakic-steps-away-after-20-year-career/c-436687 March 13, 2016 mdy-all Colorado Avalanche Conn Smythe Trophy winner; Hart Memorial Trophy winner; Lady Byng Memorial Trophy winner; Lester B. Pearson Award winner; NHL Foundation Player Award; 13-time NHL All-Star; over 1300 games played.Brendan Shanahanhttps://www.nhl.com/news/brendan-shanahan-announces-retirement/c-506470 Brendan Shanahan announces retirement NHL.com May 2, 2018 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20170704195603/https://www.nhl.com/news/brendan-shanahan-announces-retirement/c-506470 July 4, 2017 mdy-all New Jersey Devils King Clancy Memorial Trophy winner; 8-time NHL All-Star; over 1500 games played.Mike Sillingerhttps://www.nhl.com/news/isles-sillinger-announces-retirement-after-17-seasons/c-487111 Isles' Sillinger announces retirement after 17 seasons NHL.com May 2, 2018 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20170305063737/https://www.nhl.com/news/isles-sillinger-announces-retirement-after-17-seasons/c-487111 March 5, 2017 mdy-all New York Islanders over 1000 games played.Jason Smithhttps://sports.yahoo.com/news/ottawa-names-jason-smith-coaching-173602201.html Ottawa Names Jason Smith to Coaching Position, Shean Donovan as Consultant yahoo.com May 2, 2018 live https://web.archive.org/web/20160313040202/http://sports.yahoo.com/news/ottawa-names-jason-smith-coaching-173602201.html March 13, 2016 mdy-all Ottawa Senators over 1000 games played.Mats Sundinhttps://www.nhl.com/news/sundin-announces-end-to-brilliant-career/c-500398 Sundin announces end to brilliant career NHL.com May 2, 2018 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20160309085836/https://www.nhl.com/news/sundin-announces-end-to-brilliant-career/c-500398 March 9, 2016 mdy-all Vancouver Canucks Olympic gold medalist; Mark Messier Leadership Award winner; Viking Award winner; 9-time NHL All-Star; over 1300 games played.Sergei Zubovhttp://www.defendingbigd.com/2011/4/18/2119444/report-former-dallas-star-sergei-zubov-retires Report: Former Dallas Star Sergei Zubov Retires defendingbigd.com April 18, 2011 May 2, 2018 live https://web.archive.org/web/20160313063355/http://www.defendingbigd.com/2011/4/18/2119444/report-former-dallas-star-sergei-zubov-retires March 13, 2016 mdy-all Dallas Stars 4-time NHL All-Star; over 1000 games played. Broadcasting rights In June 2008, the NHL reached a new Canadian television deal with TSN, allowing the network to broadcast 70 regular season games per season featuring at least one Canadian team. CBC continued to air Saturday night Hockey Night in Canada regular season games. The league also removed the restriction that only allowed all playoff games involving Canadian teams to air only on CBC, even if it meant such games had to be broadcast regionally. CBC and TSN continued to split the first three rounds of the playoffs, and CBC still maintained exclusive coverage of the Stanley Cup Finals. But under the new deal, CBC and TSN selected the rights to individual series using a draft-like setup, regardless if they involve Canadian teams.https://playbackonline.ca/2008/06/03/tsn-20080603/ TSN clinches landmark NHL deal playbackonline.ca June 3, 2008 July 11, 2021 July 11, 2021 https://web.archive.org/web/20210711070112/https://playbackonline.ca/2008/06/03/tsn-20080603/ live This was the fourth season of the league's U.S. national broadcast rights deals with NBC and Versus. During the regular season, Versus aired games generally on Monday and Tuesday nights, while NBC had games on selected weekends. During the playoffs, NBC had the rights to air selected weekend games during the first three postseason rounds of the Stanley Cup playoffs, and games 3–7 of the Stanley Cup Finals, while Versus televised selected first and second round playoff games, all Conference Finals games not aired on NBC, and the first two games of the Stanley Cup Finals. See also Season structure of the NHL 2009 Stanley Cup playoffs 2008 NHL entry draft 2007–08 NHL season 2008–09 NHL transactions 2009 NHL Winter Classic 57th National Hockey League All-Star Game National Hockey League All-Star Game 2008 in sports 2009 in sports Victoria Cup References Dinger, Ralph NHL Official Guide and Record Book 2010 2009 Dan Diamond & Associates Toronto, Ontario, Canada 978-1-894801-16-4 registration https://archive.org/details/nationalhockeyle0000unse_u6g5 Dinger Ralph 2011 The National Hockey League Official Guide & Record Book 2012 Dan Diamond & Associates 978-1-894801-22-5 Toronto 2 External links 2008 1 1