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.[2][3]
2008–09 Montreal Canadiens | |
---|---|
Division | 2nd Northeast |
Conference | 8th Eastern |
2008–09 record | 41–30–11 |
Home record | 24–10–7 |
Road record | 17–20–4 |
Goals for | 249 |
Goals against | 247 |
Team information | |
General manager | Bob Gainey |
Coach | Guy Carbonneau (Oct. 10–Mar. 9)[1] Bob Gainey (interim, Mar. 9–Apr. 22)[1] |
Captain | Saku Koivu |
Alternate captains | Chris Higgins (Oct.–Jan.) Mike Komisarek (Jan.–Apr.) Alexei Kovalev |
Arena | Bell Centre |
Average attendance | 21,273 (100%) Total: 893,466 |
Team leaders | |
Goals | Alexei Kovalev (26) |
Assists | Andrei Markov (52) |
Points | Alexei Kovalev (65) |
Penalty minutes | Mike Komisarek (121) |
Plus/minus | Alex Tanguay (+12) |
Wins | Carey Price (23) |
Goals against average | Carey Price (2.83) |
The 2008 NHL Entry Draft took place in Ottawa on June 20–21, followed by the free agency period which began on July 1.
Off-season
editThroughout 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.[4] The chase ended with the acquisition of forward Robert Lang from the Chicago Blackhawks.[5]
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
editThe 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.[6]
Some noteworthy performances at the Canadiens training camp were put forth by prospects Max Pacioretty,[7] Yannick Weber[citation needed] and Ben Maxwell.[citation needed]
Regular season
editEarly Centennial year celebrations
editThe team has announced its intention to retire two uniform numbers during the 2008–09 season.[citation needed] As of March 2009, the only confirmed number is Patrick Roy's number 33, which was retired on November 22, 2008.[8] 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
edit"I think everybody now can turn the page and get excited."
—Guy Carbonneau, after the Montreal Canadiens concluded their preseason schedule.[9]
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.[10] 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.[11][12] 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.[13] The Toronto Maple Leafs and Detroit Red Wings were respectively ranked first and second in the report.[13] 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.[14]
November
editOn 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.[15] 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.[16] On November 11, Chris Higgins got his first NHL career hat-trick in a 4–0 win against the Ottawa Senators.[17] On November 22, the jersey number 33 of legendary goaltender Patrick Roy was retired.[18]
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.[19] 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.[20]
December
editOn 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.[21]
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.[22] D'Agostini had a successful debut with the team, recording six goals and two assists in his first 11 games.[23] 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
editGeneral 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,[citation needed] 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.[citation needed]
February
editIn order to help bolster their power play,[citation needed] 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.[citation needed] He missed two games. There were rumors that he would be traded and the city was abuzz.[citation needed] 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."[citation needed] The Canadiens were in town playing the Flyers that same day and Metropolit simply moved his equipment to the visitor's dressing room.
March
editApproaching 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
editThe Canadiens finished the regular season having tied the Carolina Hurricanes for the most power play opportunities, with 374.[24]
Standings
editDivisional standings
editGP | W | L | OTL | GF | GA | Pts | ||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | z – Boston Bruins | 82 | 53 | 19 | 10 | 274 | 196 | 116 |
2 | Montreal Canadiens | 82 | 41 | 30 | 11 | 249 | 247 | 93 |
3 | Buffalo Sabres | 82 | 41 | 32 | 9 | 250 | 234 | 91 |
4 | Ottawa Senators | 82 | 36 | 35 | 11 | 217 | 237 | 83 |
5 | Toronto Maple Leafs | 82 | 34 | 35 | 13 | 250 | 293 | 81 |
Conference standings
editR | Div | GP | W | L | OTL | GF | GA | Pts | |||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | z – Boston Bruins | NE | 82 | 53 | 19 | 10 | 274 | 196 | 116 | ||
2 | y – Washington Capitals | SE | 82 | 50 | 24 | 8 | 272 | 245 | 108 | ||
3 | y – New Jersey Devils | AT | 82 | 51 | 27 | 4 | 244 | 209 | 106 | ||
4 | Pittsburgh Penguins | AT | 82 | 45 | 28 | 9 | 264 | 239 | 99 | ||
5 | Philadelphia Flyers | AT | 82 | 44 | 27 | 11 | 264 | 238 | 99 | ||
6 | Carolina Hurricanes | SE | 82 | 45 | 30 | 7 | 239 | 226 | 97 | ||
7 | New York Rangers | AT | 82 | 43 | 30 | 9 | 210 | 218 | 95 | ||
8 | Montreal Canadiens | NE | 82 | 41 | 30 | 11 | 249 | 247 | 93 | ||
8.5 | |||||||||||
9 | Florida Panthers | SE | 82 | 41 | 30 | 11 | 234 | 231 | 93 | ||
10 | Buffalo Sabres | NE | 82 | 41 | 32 | 9 | 250 | 234 | 91 | ||
11 | Ottawa Senators | NE | 82 | 36 | 35 | 11 | 217 | 237 | 83 | ||
12 | Toronto Maple Leafs | NE | 82 | 34 | 35 | 13 | 250 | 293 | 81 | ||
13 | Atlanta Thrashers | SE | 82 | 35 | 41 | 6 | 257 | 280 | 76 | ||
14 | Tampa Bay Lightning | SE | 82 | 24 | 40 | 18 | 210 | 279 | 66 | ||
15 | New York Islanders | AT | 82 | 26 | 47 | 9 | 201 | 279 | 61 |
bold – qualified for playoffs, y – division winner, z – placed first in conference (and division)
AT – Atlantic Division, NE – Northeast Division, SE – Southeast Division
Schedule and results
editWin (2 points) Loss (0 points) Overtime/shootout loss (1 point)
2008–09 game log | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Preseason Preseason record: 6–3–0 (home: 5–1–0; road: 1–2–0)
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October Monthly record: 7–1–1 (home: 4–1–0; road: 3–0–1)
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November Monthly 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)
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December Monthly 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)
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January Monthly 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)
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February Monthly 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)
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March Monthly 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)
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April Monthly 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)
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Schedule |
Playoffs
editEastern Conference Quarterfinals: vs. (1) Boston Bruins
editFor 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.[26] Boston scored three power play goals, including two from Marc Savard, en route to a 5–1 victory in game two.[27] 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.[28] 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.[29]
2009 Stanley Cup playoffs – Eastern Conference Quarter-finals vs. (1) Boston Bruins
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* Player scoring winning goal is shown in italics.
Player statistics
editSkaters
editNote: GP = Games played; G = Goals; A = Assists; Pts = Points; +/− = Plus/minus; PIM = Penalty minutes
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Goaltenders
editNote: 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 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Playoffs | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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†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
editTeam awards
editOn 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
editAll-Star Game
editElected to starting lineup
edit- Alexei Kovalev (RW) (Captain/Eastern Conference All-Star Team, All-Star Game MVP)
- Mike Komisarek (D)
- Andrei Markov (D)
- Carey Price (G)
Milestones
editRegular season | |||||||||
Player | Milestone | Reached | |||||||
Mike Komisarek | 300th NHL career game | October 18, 2008 | |||||||
Saku Koivu | 600th NHL career point | October 20, 2008 | |||||||
Andrei Markov | 500th NHL career game | October 25, 2008 | |||||||
Roman Hamrlik | 400th NHL career assist | November 29, 2008 | |||||||
Matt D'Agostini | 1st NHL career goal 1st NHL career point |
December 2, 2008 | |||||||
Roman Hamrlík | 1,100th NHL career game | December 4, 2008 | |||||||
Matt D'Agostini | 1st NHL career assist | December 4, 2008 | |||||||
Alex Kovalev | 1,100th NHL career game | December 9, 2008 | |||||||
Ben Maxwell | 1st NHL career game | December 13, 2008 | |||||||
Alex Kovalev | 900th NHL career point | December 18, 2008 | |||||||
Andrei Kostitsyn | 1st NHL career hat-trick | December 27, 2008 | |||||||
Maxim Lapierre | 1st NHL career hat-trick | December 29, 2008 | |||||||
Max Pacioretty | 1st NHL career game 1st NHL career goal 1st NHL career point |
January 2, 2009 | |||||||
Max Pacioretty | 1st NHL career assist | January 7, 2009 | |||||||
Yannick Weber | 1st NHL career game | January 8, 2009 | |||||||
Gregory Stewart | 1st NHL career assist 1st NHL career point |
January 17, 2009 | |||||||
Andrei Markov | 300th NHL career point | January 17, 2009 | |||||||
Patrice Brisebois | 1,000th NHL career game | March 14, 2009 | |||||||
Yannick Weber | 1st NHL career assist 1st 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 goal 1st NHL career playoff assist 1st NHL career playoff point |
April 20, 2009 |
Transactions
editThe Canadiens have been involved in the following transactions during the 2008–09 season.
Trades
editJune 20, 2008 | To Montreal Canadiens Alex Tanguay 5th-round pick (138th overall) in 2008 |
To Calgary Flames 1st-round pick (25th overall) in 2008 2nd-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 2010[a] |
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, 2009 | To Montreal Canadiens Glen Metropolit |
To Philadelphia Flyers Claimed off waivers |
- ^ Condition not satisfied.
Free agent acquisitions
edit
|
Players lost to free agency
editDraft picks
editMontreal's picks at the 2008 NHL Entry Draft in Ottawa, Ontario.[30]
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
editCountry | Broadcaster |
---|---|
Canada | English: CBC, TSN, NHL Network; French: RDS, RIS, RDS.CA |
USA | Versus, ESPN, NBC, CBS, Fox, HDNet, NHL Network, RDS.CA |
Europe | NASN, NHL Network, RDS.CA |
Russia | NTV (Russia), RDS.CA |
Japan South Korea |
ASN, RDS.CA |
Farm teams
editHamilton Bulldogs
editThe Hamilton Bulldogs remain Montreal's top affiliate in the American Hockey League in 2008–09.
Cincinnati Cyclones
editMontreal continues their affiliation alongside the Nashville Predators for the Cincinnati Cyclones of the ECHL in 2008–09.[31]
See also
editReferences
edit- ^ a b "Carbonneau out as Canadiens head coach". CBC Sports. March 9, 2009. Retrieved March 21, 2024.
- ^ "2008-2009 is NOT the Montreal Canadiens' 100th Season!". Bleacher Report.
- ^ "Calculate Duration Between Two Dates – Results".
- ^ TSN.ca news service (August 4, 2008). "Barry: Sundin isn't close to making a decision on his future". TSN.ca. Retrieved October 24, 2008.
- ^ "Canadiens acquire Robert Lang from Blackhawks". CBC Sports. September 12, 2008. Archived from the original on September 23, 2008. Retrieved October 23, 2008.
- ^ "Canadiens trim Sabres in Roberval, Que". CBC Sports. September 24, 2008. Archived from the original on September 27, 2008. Retrieved October 23, 2008.
- ^ Almela, Manny (October 1, 2008). "Max-imum overdrive". Canadiens.com. Archived from the original on October 21, 2008. Retrieved October 23, 2008.
- ^ "Habs to retire Roy's No. 33" (Press release). Montreal: Montreal Canadiens. September 11, 2008. Archived from the original on October 2, 2008. Retrieved September 20, 2008.
- ^ "7 Quotes 'Things they said in montreal this week'". Montreal Gazette. October 6, 2008. Archived from the original on November 5, 2012. Retrieved October 11, 2008.
- ^ "Recap: Canadiens @ Sabres – 10/10/2008". NHL.com. Associated Press. October 10, 2008. Retrieved October 10, 2008.
- ^ "Recap: Canadiens @ Maple Leafs – 10/11/2008". NHL.com. Associated Press. October 11, 2008. Retrieved October 11, 2008.
- ^ "Recap: Canadiens @ Flyers – 10/13/2008". NHL.com. Associated Press. October 13, 2008. Retrieved March 25, 2009.
- ^ a b Rossi, Rob (October 29, 2008). "NHL Team Valuations: No. 3 Montreal Canadiens". Forbes. Archived from the original on November 2, 2008. Retrieved October 30, 2008.
- ^ "2008–2009 Regular Season Schedule/Results". Canadiens.com. October 30, 2008. Archived from the original on September 27, 2008. Retrieved October 30, 2008.
- ^ "Recap: Canadiens @ Islanders – 11/01/2008". NHL.com. Associated Press. November 1, 2008. Retrieved March 25, 2009.
- ^ Kimelman, Adam (November 10, 2008). "Exclusive: Kostopoulos suspended 3 games". NHL.com. Retrieved March 25, 2009.
- ^ "Recap: Senators @ Canadiens – 11/11/2008". NHL.com. Associated Press. November 11, 2008. Retrieved March 25, 2009.
- ^ Almela, Manny (November 22, 2008). "Home sweet home". Montreal: Canadiens.com. Archived from the original on July 24, 2011. Retrieved March 25, 2009.
- ^ "Markov goal caps three-goal second period in Habs 3–2 win over Sabres". Montreal: NHL.com. Canadian Press. November 29, 2008. Retrieved March 25, 2009.
- ^ "Recap: Canadiens @ Sabres – 11/29/2008". NHL.com. Associated Press. November 29, 2008. Retrieved March 25, 2009.
- ^ "Recap: Thrashers @ Canadiens – 12/02/2008". NHL.com. Associated Press. December 2, 2008. Retrieved March 25, 2009.
- ^ "Recap: Rangers @ Canadiens – 12/04/2008". NHL.com. Associated Press. December 4, 2008. Retrieved March 25, 2009.
- ^ "Matt D'Agostini – 2008–2008 Game Log". NHL.com. Retrieved March 25, 2009.
- ^ "2008-09 NHL Summary".
- ^ "Canadiens 5, Islanders 1". Archived from the original on April 6, 2009. Retrieved April 19, 2009.
- ^ Roarke, Shawn P. (April 16, 2009). "Bruins top Canadiens 4-2 in opener". NHL.com. Retrieved April 23, 2009.
- ^ Roarke, Shawn P. (April 18, 2009). "Bruins bash Canadiens 5-1 in Game 2". NHL.com. Archived from the original on April 22, 2009. Retrieved April 23, 2009.
- ^ Roarke, Shawn P. (April 20, 2009). "Ryder's goal leaves Habs in 3-0 hole". NHL.com. Archived from the original on April 24, 2009. Retrieved April 23, 2009.
- ^ Roarke, Shawn P. (April 22, 2009). "Bruins close out Canadiens". NHL.com. Retrieved April 23, 2009.
- ^ 2008 NHL Entry Draft Results nhl.com[permanent dead link]
- ^ "Montreal, Hamilton Affiliate With Cyclones For 2008–09". Archived from the original on October 17, 2007. Retrieved June 25, 2008.