2008–09 Boston Bruins season
Encyclopedia
The 2008–09
2008–09 NHL season
The 2008–09 NHL season was the 92nd season of operation of the National Hockey League . 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...

 Boston Bruins
Boston Bruins
The Boston Bruins are a professional ice hockey team based in Boston, Massachusetts, USA. They are members of the Northeast Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League . The team has been in existence since 1924, and is the league's third-oldest team and its oldest in the...

 season
Season (sports)
In an organized sports league, a season is the portion of one year in which regulated games of the sport are in session. For example, in Major League Baseball, one season lasts approximately from April 1 through October 1; in Association football, it is generally from August until May In an...

is the Bruins' 85th
Boston Bruins seasons
This is a list of seasons completed by the Boston Bruins of the National Hockey League. This list documents the records and playoff results for all seasons the Bruins have completed in the NHL since their inception in 1924....

 season in the National Hockey League
National Hockey League
The National Hockey League is an unincorporated not-for-profit association which operates a major professional ice hockey league of 30 franchised member clubs, of which 7 are currently located in Canada and 23 in the United States...

 (NHL). Their regular season began on the road on October 9, 2008, in Denver versus the Colorado Avalanche
Colorado Avalanche
The Colorado Avalanche are a professional ice hockey team based in Denver, Colorado, United States. They are members of the Northwest Division of the Western Conference of the National Hockey League . The Avalanche have won the Stanley Cup twice, in 1995–96 and 2000–01. The franchise...

 and concluded on April 12, 2009, against the New York Islanders
New York Islanders
The New York Islanders are a professional ice hockey team based in Uniondale, New York. They are members of the Atlantic Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League...

. The Bruins looked to improve upon the accomplishments of the 2007–08 season, which included Boston's return to the NHL playoffs
2008 Stanley Cup Playoffs
The 2008 Stanley Cup playoffs of the National Hockey League began on April 9, 2008, after the 2007–08 regular season. The sixteen teams that qualified, eight from each conference, played best-of-7 series for conference quarterfinals, semifinals and championships, and then the conference champions...

 for the first time since the 2003–04 season.

Marc Savard
Marc Savard
Marc Savard is a Canadian professional ice hockey centre currently under contract to the Boston Bruins of the National Hockey League , but who has not played since late in the season because of post-concussion syndrome...

 again led the team in scoring for the regular season, his 88 points good for ninth in the league. Tim Thomas
Tim Thomas (ice hockey)
Timothy James Thomas, Jr. is an American professional ice hockey goaltender with the Boston Bruins of the National Hockey League . Raised in Davison, MI, Thomas played college hockey for the University of Vermont for four years, from 1993–1997, during which he was drafted 217th overall by the...

 led all goaltenders in both save percentage and goals against at season's end, while sophomore sensation David Krejci
David Krejcí
David Krejčí is a Czech professional ice hockey center currently playing for the Boston Bruins of the National Hockey League .-Playing career:...

 took home the League's Plus-Minus award, narrowly beating out rookie team-mate Blake Wheeler
Blake Wheeler
Blake James Wheeler is an American professional ice hockey right winger currently playing for the Winnipeg Jets of the National Hockey League . He was drafted by the Phoenix Coyotes in the first round, fifth overall, in the 2004 NHL Entry Draft.-Early career:Wheeler attended Breck School his...

.

The Bruins claimed their first division title
Northeast Division (NHL)
The NHL's Northeast Division was formed in 1993 as part of the Eastern Conference in a league realignment, the predecessor of which was the Adams Division...

 since 2004 and clinched top seed in the East
Eastern Conference (NHL)
The Eastern Conference is one of two conferences in the National Hockey League used to divide teams. Its counterpart is the Western Conference....

 for the first time since 2002.

Season events

Arguably the two biggest events to occur during the Bruins' offseason were the acquisition of Canadiens
Montreal Canadiens
The Montreal Canadiens are a professional ice hockey team based in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. They are members of the Northeast Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League . The club is officially known as ...

 forward Michael Ryder
Michael Ryder
Michael Wayne Glen Ryder is a Canadian professional ice hockey right winger who plays for the Dallas Stars of the National Hockey League. He was born in St John's, Newfoundland.-Pre-NHL:...

, a noted 30 goal scorer, and Blake Wheeler
Blake Wheeler
Blake James Wheeler is an American professional ice hockey right winger currently playing for the Winnipeg Jets of the National Hockey League . He was drafted by the Phoenix Coyotes in the first round, fifth overall, in the 2004 NHL Entry Draft.-Early career:Wheeler attended Breck School his...

, a promising 21-year-old from the University of Minnesota. 12-year veteran Stephane Yelle
Stephane Yelle
Stéphane Yelle is a former Canadian professional ice hockey centre. He won two Stanley Cups with the Colorado Avalanche, and also played in the National Hockey League with the Calgary Flames, Boston Bruins and the Carolina Hurricanes....

 was another strong addition to the roster. Added to a line-up featuring young stars, such as Phil Kessel
Phil Kessel
Philip Joseph Kessel, Jr. is an American professional ice hockey forward, and an alternate captain for the Toronto Maple Leafs of the National Hockey League . Kessel is a product of USA Hockey's National Development Team and became that program's all-time leader for goals and points in his final...

 and Milan Lucic
Milan Lucic
Milan Lucic is a Canadian professional ice hockey left winger of Serbian origin currently playing for the Boston Bruins of the National Hockey League . He played major junior with the Vancouver Giants in the Western Hockey League for three seasons and captured a Memorial Cup, while being named...

, the return of Patrice Bergeron
Patrice Bergeron
Patrice Bergeron is a Canadian professional ice hockey centre and alternate captain currently playing for the Boston Bruins of the National Hockey League...

, the improved goaltending of veteran Tim Thomas
Tim Thomas (ice hockey)
Timothy James Thomas, Jr. is an American professional ice hockey goaltender with the Boston Bruins of the National Hockey League . Raised in Davison, MI, Thomas played college hockey for the University of Vermont for four years, from 1993–1997, during which he was drafted 217th overall by the...

, and coming off the back of an impressive postseason, expectations were high for the team.

Pre-season

The Bruins pre-season saw the team compete in eight games over a two-week period. The team played two games each against the Montreal Canadiens
Montreal Canadiens
The Montreal Canadiens are a professional ice hockey team based in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. They are members of the Northeast Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League . The club is officially known as ...

, the New York Islanders
New York Islanders
The New York Islanders are a professional ice hockey team based in Uniondale, New York. They are members of the Atlantic Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League...

, the Washington Capitals
Washington Capitals
The Washington Capitals are a professional ice hockey team based in Washington, D.C. They are members of the Southeast Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League . Since their founding in 1974, "The Caps" have won one conference championship to reach the 1998 Stanley Cup...

, and defending Stanley Cup
Stanley Cup
The Stanley Cup is an ice hockey club trophy, awarded annually to the National Hockey League playoffs champion after the conclusion of the Stanley Cup Finals. It has been referred to as The Cup, Lord Stanley's Cup, The Holy Grail, or facetiously as Lord Stanley's Mug...

 champions, the Detroit Red Wings
Detroit Red Wings
The Detroit Red Wings are a professional ice hockey team based in Detroit, Michigan. They are members of the Central Division of the Western Conference of the National Hockey League , and are one of the Original Six teams of the NHL, along with the Toronto Maple Leafs, Montreal Canadiens, New York...

. Boston maintained a 3–4–1 record through the pre-season with victories against the Habs
Montreal Canadiens
The Montreal Canadiens are a professional ice hockey team based in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. They are members of the Northeast Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League . The club is officially known as ...

, Caps
Washington Capitals
The Washington Capitals are a professional ice hockey team based in Washington, D.C. They are members of the Southeast Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League . Since their founding in 1974, "The Caps" have won one conference championship to reach the 1998 Stanley Cup...

 and Wings
Detroit Red Wings
The Detroit Red Wings are a professional ice hockey team based in Detroit, Michigan. They are members of the Central Division of the Western Conference of the National Hockey League , and are one of the Original Six teams of the NHL, along with the Toronto Maple Leafs, Montreal Canadiens, New York...

, including an impressive 8–3 victory over arch-rivals Montreal
Montreal Canadiens
The Montreal Canadiens are a professional ice hockey team based in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. They are members of the Northeast Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League . The club is officially known as ...

 in their first match-up.

October

On October 9, the Bruins opened their regular season against the Colorado Avalanche
Colorado Avalanche
The Colorado Avalanche are a professional ice hockey team based in Denver, Colorado, United States. They are members of the Northwest Division of the Western Conference of the National Hockey League . The Avalanche have won the Stanley Cup twice, in 1995–96 and 2000–01. The franchise...

, at the Pepsi Center
Pepsi Center
Pepsi Center is a multi-purpose arena in Denver, Colorado, United States. The building is home to the Denver Nuggets of the National Basketball Association, the Colorado Avalanche of the National Hockey League, and the Colorado Mammoth of the National Lacrosse League...

. The Bruins notched a 5–4 victory and celebrated the return of centre Patrice Bergeron, playing his first NHL game in almost a year, while Blake Wheeler scored his first NHL goal on debut. The team would go on to lose its next two games, including a shootout loss to rivals, the Montreal Canadiens
Montreal Canadiens
The Montreal Canadiens are a professional ice hockey team based in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. They are members of the Northeast Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League . The club is officially known as ...

.

The Bruins home opener took place on October 20, with the team suffering another shootout defeat, this time to the Pittsburgh Penguins
Pittsburgh Penguins
The Pittsburgh Penguins are a professional ice hockey team based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. They are members of the Atlantic Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League . The franchise was founded in 1967 as one of the first expansion teams during the league's original...

. Boston secured its first home victory of the season on October 25, against the Atlanta Thrashers
Atlanta Thrashers
The Atlanta Thrashers were a professional ice hockey team based in Atlanta, Georgia, United States. Atlanta was granted a franchise in the National Hockey League on June 25, 1997, and became the league's 28th franchise when it began play in the 1999–2000 NHL season...

 in what proved to be a memorable game, with the teams switching ends at the first stoppage in play after the 10-minute mark of the period due to incorrect markings on the West End (visitors bench side) of the TD Banknorth Garden
TD Banknorth Garden
TD Garden is a multi-purpose arena in Boston, Massachusetts. It is named after its sponsor, TD Bank, N.A. and is often simply referred to by local Bostonians as, The Garden, The Fleet Center, or the traditional Boston Garden...

 Ice. Winger Milan Lucic recorded his first NHL hat trick in the game, also adding an assist in the 5–4 victory.

On October 27, in Edmonton in overtime and Oct. 28 in Vancouver, Tim Thomas became the first Boston goaltender with consecutive shutouts since April 3–5, 1999 (Byron Dafoe) and only the second goaltender in NHL history to record consecutive 1–0 shutouts on the road (Florida's Craig Anderson, March 2–4, 2008).

The Bruins ended October with a loss to Calgary
Calgary Flames
The Calgary Flames are a professional ice hockey team based in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. They are members of the Northwest Division of the Western Conference of the National Hockey League . The club is the third major-professional ice hockey team to represent the city of Calgary, following the...

 on the road, and finished the month with a 5–3–3 record.

November–December

The Bruins opened the month of November with a 5–1 victory at home, in what proved to be a particularly physical match against the Dallas Stars
Dallas Stars
The Dallas Stars are a professional ice hockey team based in Dallas, Texas. They are members of the Pacific Division of the Western Conference of the National Hockey League . The team was founded during the 1967 NHL expansion as the Minnesota North Stars, based in Bloomington, Minnesota. The...

. The game would prove a turning point for the team, with many players citing it as the catalyst that would see the team go on to win their next 12 games at home. One of those wins was a convincing 6-1 victory over the team's hated rivals, the Montreal Canadiens
Montreal Canadiens
The Montreal Canadiens are a professional ice hockey team based in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. They are members of the Northeast Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League . The club is officially known as ...

 on November 13. This would spark a winning streak against the Canadiens similar to that of the streak that Montreal had against the Bruins in the previous season.

On November 6, in a 5–2 victory against the Toronto Maple Leafs
Toronto Maple Leafs
The Toronto Maple Leafs are a professional ice hockey team based in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. They are members of the Northeast Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League...

, Blake Wheeler recorded his first NHL hat trick, while Captain Zdeno Chara
Zdeno Chára
Zdeno Chára is a Slovak professional ice hockey defenseman. He is the captain of the Boston Bruins of the National Hockey League and won the Norris Trophy while playing for them in 2008–09. At 6 ft 9 , he is the tallest player ever to play in the NHL...

 celebrated his 700th NHL game. In the return leg, on November 17, Matt Hunwick
Matt Hunwick
Matthew Hunwick is an American professional ice hockey defenseman currently playing for the Colorado Avalanche of the National Hockey League.-Amateur:...

 scored his 1st NHL goal as the Bruins once again defeated the Leafs
Toronto Maple Leafs
The Toronto Maple Leafs are a professional ice hockey team based in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. They are members of the Northeast Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League...

. Two days later, Marc Savard
Marc Savard
Marc Savard is a Canadian professional ice hockey centre currently under contract to the Boston Bruins of the National Hockey League , but who has not played since late in the season because of post-concussion syndrome...

 would secure his 600th NHL point with a goal and 3 assists in the Bruins 7–4 win against the Buffalo Sabres
Buffalo Sabres
The Buffalo Sabres are a professional ice hockey team based in Buffalo, New York. They are members of the Northeast Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League .-Founding and early success: 1970-71—1980-81:...

. On December 18, centre David Krejci
David Krejcí
David Krejčí is a Czech professional ice hockey center currently playing for the Boston Bruins of the National Hockey League .-Playing career:...

 recorded his first NHL hat trick in an 8–5 win against the Toronto Maple Leafs
Toronto Maple Leafs
The Toronto Maple Leafs are a professional ice hockey team based in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. They are members of the Northeast Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League...

. Phil Kessel also scored two goals in the match, his second bringing up his 100th career point.

Boston finished the month of November with an 11–1–1 record, including an 8–0–0 record at home. They would carry that form through the month of December, finishing with a remarkable 12–1–0 record and remaining undefeated at The Garden
TD Banknorth Garden
TD Garden is a multi-purpose arena in Boston, Massachusetts. It is named after its sponsor, TD Bank, N.A. and is often simply referred to by local Bostonians as, The Garden, The Fleet Center, or the traditional Boston Garden...

 (4–0–0). Phil Kessel maintained an 18-game point streak from Nov. 13-Dec. 21, the longest such streak overall for the season and equalling Ed Olczyk's record for the longest point streak by a U.S.-born player in NHL history. The biggest concern during this period was the loss of forward Patrice Bergeron, the young centre sustaining his second concussion in 14 months, after a heavy collision with Carolina's
Carolina Hurricanes
The Carolina Hurricanes are a professional ice hockey team based in Raleigh, North Carolina, USA. They are members of the Southeast Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League , and play their home games at the 18,680-seat RBC Center...

 Dennis Seidenberg. Bergeron would go on to miss the next 15 games.

January

Boston would begin 2009 in the same manner with which they ended 2008 – with a victory over the defending Eastern Conference champions
Prince of Wales Trophy
The Prince of Wales Trophy, also known as the Wales Trophy, is an award presented by the National Hockey League to the Eastern Conference playoff champions, prior to the final series of games for the Stanley Cup...

, the Pittsburgh Penguins
Pittsburgh Penguins
The Pittsburgh Penguins are a professional ice hockey team based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. They are members of the Atlantic Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League . The franchise was founded in 1967 as one of the first expansion teams during the league's original...

. The victory, their 10th in a row and 14th straight at home, secured the team's longest streak since March 9–28, 1973, and catapulted the Bruins to the top spot in the NHL with 62 points, one more than San Jose
San Jose Sharks
The San Jose Sharks are a professional ice hockey team based in San Jose, California, United States. They are members of the Pacific Division of the Western Conference of the National Hockey League...

.

From January 12–29, forward Phil Kessel was sidelined with mononucleosis. On January 13, Marco Sturm was lost for the season after undergoing surgery for an injury incurred on December 18 against the Toronto Maple Leafs
Toronto Maple Leafs
The Toronto Maple Leafs are a professional ice hockey team based in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. They are members of the Northeast Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League...

. On January 27, Patrice Bergeron would make his second return from concussion in as many seasons, tallying an assist in the Bruins 3–2 overtime victory against the Washington Capitals
Washington Capitals
The Washington Capitals are a professional ice hockey team based in Washington, D.C. They are members of the Southeast Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League . Since their founding in 1974, "The Caps" have won one conference championship to reach the 1998 Stanley Cup...

. On January 31, Tuukka Rask
Tuukka Rask
Tuukka Mikael Rask is a Finnish professional ice hockey goaltender currently playing for the Boston Bruins of the National Hockey League . Rask was drafted 21st overall in the 2005 NHL Entry Draft by the Toronto Maple Leafs...

, recalled from the Providence Bruins
Providence Bruins
The Providence Bruins are an ice hockey team in the American Hockey League, and are the primary development team for the NHL's Boston Bruins. They play in Providence, Rhode Island at the Dunkin' Donuts Center.-History:...

, played his first game with the Bruins for the season and recorded his first NHL shutout, stopping all 35 shots in a 1–0 victory against the New York Rangers
New York Rangers
The New York Rangers are a professional ice hockey team based in the borough of Manhattan in New York, New York, USA. They are members of the Atlantic Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League . Playing their home games at Madison Square Garden, the Rangers are one of the...

.

All-Star weekend

Three Bruins were assigned to the Eastern Conference
Eastern Conference (NHL)
The Eastern Conference is one of two conferences in the National Hockey League used to divide teams. Its counterpart is the Western Conference....

 for the 57th National Hockey League All-Star Game
57th National Hockey League All-Star Game
The 57th National Hockey League All-Star Game was held at the Bell Centre in Montreal, Quebec, Canada, home of the Montreal Canadiens, in conjunction with the Montreal Canadiens centennial celebrations. The game was held between two teams, each representing a conference of the National Hockey League...

, with Zdeno Chara, Marc Savard and Tim Thomas all representing Boston as reserves. Coach Claude Julien
Claude Julien (ice hockey)
Claude Julien is Canadian professional ice hockey head coach of the Boston Bruins of the National Hockey League . He previously served as the head coach for the Montreal Canadiens and the New Jersey Devils...

 was also named as head coach ahead of Montreal counterpart Guy Carbonneau. Over the course of the weekend Blake Wheeler was named MVP of the YoungStars game
NHL YoungStars Game
The NHL YoungStars Game started in 2002, to replace the Heroes of Hockey Old-Timers game during the All-Star Weekend activities. The first four games were played as separate games to the actual All-Star Game, but starting in 2008, it was changed to become part of the NHL Super Skills Competition,...

 with a 4 goal performance, Zdeno Chara recorded the hardest ever shot (105.4 mph) in the SuperSkills Competition
NHL All-Star Game SuperSkills Competition
The NHL All-Star Game SuperSkills Competition, originally known as the National Hockey League All-Star Skills Competition, is an event on the night preceding the All-Star Game. Started at the 41st National Hockey League All-Star Game in Pittsburgh in 1990, the NHL uses the event to showcase the...

, while Chara, Savard and Thomas celebrated victory in the All-Star Game, with Savard tallying 3 assists while Thomas was awarded the win for his efforts in both the overtime and shootout periods.

March

On March 4, the Bruins acquired defenseman Steve Montador
Steve Montador
Steve Montador is a Canadian professional ice hockey defenceman for the Chicago Blackhawks of the National Hockey League.-Playing career:...

 from the Anaheim Ducks
Anaheim Ducks
The Anaheim Ducks are a professional ice hockey team based in Anaheim, California, USA. They are members of the Pacific Division of the Western Conference of the National Hockey League...

 in exchange for forward Petteri Nokelainen
Petteri Nokelainen
Petteri Nokelainen is a Finnish professional ice hockey forward who is currently playing for the Montreal Canadiens of the National Hockey League.-Playing career:...

. Later that day the club announced the acquisition of forward Mark Recchi
Mark Recchi
Mark Louis Recchi is a retired Canadian professional ice hockey right winger who played 22 years in the National Hockey League , most notably for the Pittsburgh Penguins, Philadelphia Flyers, Boston Bruins and Montreal Canadiens...

 and a second round draft pick in the 2010 NHL Entry Draft
2010 NHL Entry Draft
The 2010 NHL Entry Draft was the 48th NHL Entry Draft, held on June 25–26, 2010 at the Staples Center in Los Angeles, California, home arena of the Los Angeles Kings. This was the first time Los Angeles hosted the NHL Entry Draft. An unofficial record of 11 American-trained players were selected in...

 from the Tampa Bay Lightning
Tampa Bay Lightning
The Tampa Bay Lightning are a professional ice hockey team based in Tampa, Florida. They are members of the Southeast Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League . They have one Stanley Cup championship in their history, in 2003–04. They are often referred to as the...

 in exchange for defenseman Matt Lashoff
Matt Lashoff
Matt Robert Lashoff is an American professional ice hockey defenseman and professional musician currently playing for the Toronto Maple Leafs of the NHL. Matt's younger brother, Brian Lashoff, is a prospect for the Detroit Red Wings....

 and forward Martins Karsums
Martins Karsums
Mārtiņš Karsums is a Latvian professional ice hockey player currently playing as a right winger for Dinamo Riga of the Kontinental Hockey League . Karsums was selected in the second round, 64th overall, in the 2004 NHL Entry Draft by the Boston Bruins...

. Three days later, on March 7, Recchi scored a pair of goals in his second outing for the Bruins, against the Chicago Blackhawks
Chicago Blackhawks
The Chicago Blackhawks are a professional ice hockey team based in Chicago, Illinois. They are members of the Central Division of the Western Conference of the National Hockey League . They have won four Stanley Cup championships since their founding in 1926, most recently coming in 2009-10...

.

The Bruins secured their second successive playoff berth on March 21, when the Florida Panthers
Florida Panthers
The Florida Panthers are a professional ice hockey team based in Sunrise, Florida, in the Miami metropolitan area. They are members of the Southeast Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League . They play their games at the BankAtlantic Center in Sunrise and are the...

 lost to the Columbus Blue Jackets
Columbus Blue Jackets
The Columbus Blue Jackets are a professional ice hockey team based in Columbus, Ohio, United States. They are members of the Central Division of the Western Conference of the National Hockey League...

. The following night they secured the Northeast Division
Northeast Division (NHL)
The NHL's Northeast Division was formed in 1993 as part of the Eastern Conference in a league realignment, the predecessor of which was the Adams Division...

 title with a 4–1 victory against Eastern
Eastern Conference (NHL)
The Eastern Conference is one of two conferences in the National Hockey League used to divide teams. Its counterpart is the Western Conference....

 rivals the New Jersey Devils
New Jersey Devils
The New Jersey Devils are a professional ice hockey team based in Newark, New Jersey, United States. They are members of the Atlantic Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League...

.

April

On April 2, against the Ottawa Senators
Ottawa Senators
The Ottawa Senators are a professional ice hockey team based in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. They are members of the Northeast Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League...

, Boston recorded their 50th win for the season, the 8th time in franchise history and first since the 1992–1993 season
1992–93 Boston Bruins season
The 1992–93 Boston Bruins season was the Bruins' 69th season.-Regular season:The team finished second in the regular season behind the Pittsburgh Penguins. The Bruins played well all season long and finished their final 8 regular-season games with a perfect 8-0-0 record. The Bruins had the most...

 that the mark had been achieved. Prior to the match David Krejci was the recipient of NESN's Seventh Player Award, the annual award presented to the Bruin who went above and beyond the call of duty and exceed the expectations of Bruins fans during the season.

Schedule and results

2008–09 Game log
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Legend:


Stanley Cup Playoffs

The Bruins clinched a playoff spot for the second consecutive season, securing top seed in the Eastern Conference in the process and gaining home-ice advantage through the first three rounds.

Eastern Conference Quarter-finals

Boston played the 8th-seeded Montreal Canadiens
Montreal Canadiens
The Montreal Canadiens are a professional ice hockey team based in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. They are members of the Northeast Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League . The club is officially known as ...

 in the first round of the playoffs. Boston had previously lost to Montreal in three consecutive playoff appearances, and had not won a playoff series overall in the previous 10 seasons.

The Bruins won the first game of the series 4–2, with goals from Phil Kessel
Phil Kessel
Philip Joseph Kessel, Jr. is an American professional ice hockey forward, and an alternate captain for the Toronto Maple Leafs of the National Hockey League . Kessel is a product of USA Hockey's National Development Team and became that program's all-time leader for goals and points in his final...

, David Krejci
David Krejcí
David Krejčí is a Czech professional ice hockey center currently playing for the Boston Bruins of the National Hockey League .-Playing career:...

, and a powerplay winner from Zdeno Chara
Zdeno Chára
Zdeno Chára is a Slovak professional ice hockey defenseman. He is the captain of the Boston Bruins of the National Hockey League and won the Norris Trophy while playing for them in 2008–09. At 6 ft 9 , he is the tallest player ever to play in the NHL...

. In Game Two, Marc Savard
Marc Savard
Marc Savard is a Canadian professional ice hockey centre currently under contract to the Boston Bruins of the National Hockey League , but who has not played since late in the season because of post-concussion syndrome...

 had two goals and an assist, while Chuck Kobasew
Chuck Kobasew
Nicholas James "Chuck" Kobasew is a Canadian professional ice hockey right winger currently playing for the Colorado Avalanche of the National Hockey League .-Amateur:...

, Shane Hnidy
Shane Hnidy
Shane Hnidy is a retired Canadian professional ice hockey defenceman. On August 31, 2011, it was announced that Hnidy would be part of the radio broadcast team for the Winnipeg Jets, formerly the Atlanta Thrashers, which was one of his former teams.-Playing career:Shane Hnidy played junior hockey...

 – named as a replacement for the injured Matt Hunwick
Matt Hunwick
Matthew Hunwick is an American professional ice hockey defenseman currently playing for the Colorado Avalanche of the National Hockey League.-Amateur:...

 – and Michael Ryder
Michael Ryder
Michael Wayne Glen Ryder is a Canadian professional ice hockey right winger who plays for the Dallas Stars of the National Hockey League. He was born in St John's, Newfoundland.-Pre-NHL:...

 also scored as the Bruins won 5–1. Milan Lucic
Milan Lucic
Milan Lucic is a Canadian professional ice hockey left winger of Serbian origin currently playing for the Boston Bruins of the National Hockey League . He played major junior with the Vancouver Giants in the Western Hockey League for three seasons and captured a Memorial Cup, while being named...

 was suspended for game three after receiving a match penalty in the closing stages of game two for striking Montreal's Maxim Lapierre
Maxim Lapierre
Maxim Lapierre is a Canadian professional ice hockey forward currently playing for the Vancouver Canucks of the National Hockey League . Drafted out of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League , he was selected 61st overall in 2003 by the Montreal Canadiens...

 in the head with his stick. Boston then travelled to Montreal for Game Three, where they secured another 4–2 victory with goals by Kessel, Ryder, Kobasew, and Shawn Thornton
Shawn Thornton
Shawn Thornton is a Canadian professional hockey forward for the Boston Bruins of the National Hockey League. He is known to be an enforcer.-Playing career:...

. They completed the sweep by winning Game Four, Michael Ryder posting two goals and an assist in the 4–1 victory as the Bruins advanced to the semi-finals for the first time since the 1998–99 season. This marked only the third time that Boston had swept Montreal in the playoffs in history, and the first time since 1992. The only time Boston swept Montreal in the playoffs and closed out the series in Montreal was in 1929, and that season, Boston went on to win the Stanley Cup
Stanley Cup
The Stanley Cup is an ice hockey club trophy, awarded annually to the National Hockey League playoffs champion after the conclusion of the Stanley Cup Finals. It has been referred to as The Cup, Lord Stanley's Cup, The Holy Grail, or facetiously as Lord Stanley's Mug...

.

Eastern Conference Semi-finals

Boston faced the Carolina Hurricanes
Carolina Hurricanes
The Carolina Hurricanes are a professional ice hockey team based in Raleigh, North Carolina, USA. They are members of the Southeast Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League , and play their home games at the 18,680-seat RBC Center...

, a franchise which carried the legacy of Boston's longtime rival the Hartford Whalers
Hartford Whalers
The Hartford Whalers were a professional ice hockey team based for most of its existence in Hartford, Connecticut, U.S.A.. The club played in the World Hockey Association from 1972–79 and in the National Hockey League from 1979–97...

. Prior to the Bruins' first-round sweep of Montreal, their most recent playoff series victory had been against Carolina in April 1999.

The Bruins extended their 5-game winning streak with a 4-1 victory in Game 1, but Carolina stormed back on the strength of an aggressive forecheck and excellent goaltending from Cam Ward
Cam Ward
Cameron Kenneth Ward is a Canadian professional ice hockey goaltender currently playing for the Carolina Hurricanes of the National Hockey League . Born in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, he was raised in Sherwood Park, Alberta...

. Ward's shutout in Game 2, and Jussi Jokinen's
Jussi Jokinen
Jussi Jokinen is a Finnish professional ice hockey forward currently playing for the Carolina Hurricanes of the National Hockey League...

 game-winning goals in the next two matches, pushed the Bruins to the brink of elimination. Boston recovered for consecutive wins to push the series to a pivotal seventh game, but the Hurricanes prevailed in overtime of the final contest.

The series-winning goal was scored by Scott Walker, who earlier in the series had avoided punishment for an undefended punch to the face of former Hurricane Aaron Ward. Walker had been due for an automatic suspension, but that penalty was overturned by the NHL after a brief meeting in which he claimed to have thought Ward was prepared to fight. Ward disputed that account and publicly reprimanded the NHL for failing to follow through with a full investigation. In addition, Walker's wife received a diagnosis of cervical cancer
Cervical cancer
Cervical cancer is malignant neoplasm of the cervix uteri or cervical area. One of the most common symptoms is abnormal vaginal bleeding, but in some cases there may be no obvious symptoms until the cancer is in its advanced stages...

 midway through the series, lending an additional element of personal drama to his performance. After the series, Walker took public responsibility for striking Ward and expressed relief that his wife's cancer was treatable.

Playoff log

2009 Stanley Cup Playoffs
EWLINE
EWLINE
  • Scorer of game-winning goal in italics

Skaters

Note: GP = Games played; G = Goals
Goal (ice hockey)
In ice hockey, a goal is scored when the puck completely crosses the goal line between the two goal posts and below the goal crossbar. A goal awards one point to the team attacking the goal scored upon, regardless of which team the player who actually deflected the puck into the goal belongs to...

; A = Assists
Assist (ice hockey)
In ice hockey, an assist is attributed to up to two players of the scoring team who shot, passed or deflected the puck towards the scoring teammate, or touched it in any other way which enabled the goal, meaning that they were "assisting" in the goal. There can be a maximum of two assists per goal...

; Pts = Points
Point (ice hockey)
Point in ice hockey has three official meanings:* A point is awarded to a player for each goal scored or assist earned. The total number of goals plus assists equals total points. In some European leagues, a goal counts as two points, and an assist counts as one...

; +/- = Plus-minus; PIM = Penalty minutes
Penalty (ice hockey)
A penalty in ice hockey is a punishment for inappropriate behavior. Most penalties are enforced by detaining the offending player within a penalty box for a set number of minutes, during which, the player can not participate in play. The offending team usually may not replace the player on the ice,...

Regular season Playoffs
Player GP | G | A | Pts | +/- | PIM GP | G | A | Pts | +/- | PIM
82 25 63 88 25 70 11 6 7 13 2 4
82 22 51 73 37 26 11 2 6 8 6 2
70 36 24 60 23 16 11 6 5 11 7 4
74 27 26 53 28 26 11 5 8 13 4 8
79 13 37 50 32 34 11 0 7 7 3 4
80 19 31 50 23 95 11 1 3 4 1 12
81 21 24 45 36 46 8 0 0 0 0 0
68 21 21 42 5 56 11 3 3 6 3 14
72 17 25 42 17 136 10 3 6 9 12 43
64 8 31 39 2 16 11 0 5 5 3 11
75 6 24 30 -1 16 11 0 1 1 -6 2
53 6 21 27 15 31 1 0 0 0 0 0
77 7 11 18 6 32 11 0 1 1 -4 2
82 5 12 17 20 76 11 0 1 1 5 7
18 10 6 16 -3 2 11 3 3 6 0 2
47 1 15 16 7 40 3 0 0 0 1 4
19 7 6 13 9 8
65 3 9 12 6 45 7 1 0 1 -1 0
79 6 5 11 -2 123 10 1 0 1 0 6
65 3 7 10 16 44 11 1 0 1 4 2
35 4 3 7 0 18 5 1 1 2 0 2
25 1 4 5 -10 10
14 2 2 4 -1 4
33 0 3 3 -1 10
13 0 1 1 3 18 11 1 2 3 5 18
16 0 1 1 1 10
6 0 1 1 -3 0
(G) 54 0 1 1 6 11 0 1 1 0
(G) 28 0 0 0 2
1 0 0 0 0 0
1 0 0 0 0 0
Totals 270 465 735 60 1016 34 60 94 9 147
  • Denotes player spent time with another team before joining Bruins. Stats reflect time with the Bruins only.
  • Denotes player was traded mid-season.
  • (G)Denotes goaltender.

Goaltenders

Note: GPI = Games Played In; MIN = Minutes played; GAA = Goals Against Average
Goals against average
Goals Against Average is a statistic used in ice hockey, water polo, lacrosse, and soccer that is the mean of goals allowed per game by a goaltender....

; W = Wins; L = Losses; OT = Overtime/Shootout Losses
Overtime (ice hockey)
Overtime is a method of determining the winner and loser of an ice hockey match when the scores are tied after regulation. The two main methods are the overtime period and the shootout.-Overtime periods:...

; SO = Shutouts; SA = Shots Against
Shot on goal
In ice hockey, a shot on goal is a shot that will enter the goal if it is not stopped by the goaltender. A shot on goal must result in either a goal or a save....

; GA = Goals Against; SV% = Save Percentage
Save percentage
Save percentage is an ice hockey and lacrosse statistic that represents the percentage of shots on goal a goaltender stops...

Regular season Playoffs
Player | GPI | MIN | GAA | W | L | OT | SO | SA | GA | SV% | GPI | MIN | GAA | W | L | OT | SO | SA | GA | SV%
54 3259 2.10 36 11 7 5 1694 114 .933 11 680 1.85 7 4 0 1 323 21 .935
28 1644 2.59 16 8 3 1 791 71 .910
1 60 0.00 1 0 0 1 35 0 1.000
Combined 2.26 53 19 10 7 2520 185 .927 1.85 7 4 0 1 323 21 .935

Personnel

Boston Bruins staff

Hockey operations
  • General Manager - Peter Chiarelli
  • Assistant General Manager - Jim Benning
    Jim Benning
    James Elmer Benning is a retired professional ice hockey defenceman. Drafted in the first round in the 1981 NHL entry draft by the Toronto Maple Leafs, he played 605 games over nine seasons for the Leafs and the Vancouver Canucks, compiling 52 goals and 191 points.Prior to his professional...

  • Director of player development - Don Sweeney
    Don Sweeney
    Donald Clarke Sweeney is a former ice hockey player for the Boston Bruins of the National Hockey League. He is presently with the Bruins as the assistant general manager.-Playing career:...

  • Director of player personnel - Scott Bradley
  • Director of amateur scouting - Wayne Smith
  • Director of collegiate scouting - John Weisbrod
    John Weisbrod
    John Weisbrod is a retired American professional ice hockey center and currently serves as the Calgary Flames Assistant General Manager/Player Personnel...


Coaching staff
  • Head coach - Claude Julien
    Claude Julien (ice hockey)
    Claude Julien is Canadian professional ice hockey head coach of the Boston Bruins of the National Hockey League . He previously served as the head coach for the Montreal Canadiens and the New Jersey Devils...

  • Assistant coach - Doug Houda
    Doug Houda
    Doug Houda is a former National Hockey League defenceman. He was drafted in the second round, 28th overall, by the Detroit Red Wings in the 1984 NHL Entry Draft. He currently serves as an assistant coach for the Boston Bruins of the National Hockey League....

  • Assistant coach - Craig Ramsay
    Craig Ramsay
    Craig Ramsay is a retired Canadian professional ice hockey left winger who played in the NHL from 1971 to 1985 and the final head coach of the Atlanta Thrashers.-Playing career:...

  • Assistant coach - Geoff Ward
    Geoff Ward
    Geoff Ward is a current assistant coach for the Boston Bruins of the National Hockey League. His name was engraved on the Stanley Cup with the Boston Bruins in 2011....

  • Goaltending coach - Bob Essensa
    Bob Essensa
    Robert Earle Essensa is a Canadian retired professional ice hockey goaltender who spent 12 seasons in the National Hockey League...


Management
  • Senior advisor to the Owner - Harry Sinden
    Harry Sinden
    Harry James Sinden was the long-time general manager, coach, and president for the Boston Bruins NHL hockey team, and was the coach of Team Canada during the 1972 Summit Series...

  • Vice President, Alternate Governor - Cam Neely
    Cam Neely
    Cameron Michael Neely is a retired Canadian professional ice hockey player. He played right wing for the Vancouver Canucks and Boston Bruins of the National Hockey League from 1983 to 1996. He currently serves as the president of the Boston Bruins.-Playing career:Cam Neely was born in Comox,...

  • Vice President, business operations - Daniel J. Zimmer
  • Senior Vice President, sales and marketing - Amy Latimer
  • Vice President, finance - Jim Bednarek

Milestones

Regular season milestones
Player Milestone Reached
Blake Wheeler
Blake Wheeler
Blake James Wheeler is an American professional ice hockey right winger currently playing for the Winnipeg Jets of the National Hockey League . He was drafted by the Phoenix Coyotes in the first round, fifth overall, in the 2004 NHL Entry Draft.-Early career:Wheeler attended Breck School his...

 
1st NHL game
1st NHL goal
1st NHL point
October 9, 2008
Michael Ryder
Michael Ryder
Michael Wayne Glen Ryder is a Canadian professional ice hockey right winger who plays for the Dallas Stars of the National Hockey League. He was born in St John's, Newfoundland.-Pre-NHL:...

 
100th NHL goal October 9, 2008
Aaron Ward  700th NHL game October 15, 2008
Manny Fernandez  300th NHL appearance October 21, 2008
Milan Lucic
Milan Lucic
Milan Lucic is a Canadian professional ice hockey left winger of Serbian origin currently playing for the Boston Bruins of the National Hockey League . He played major junior with the Vancouver Giants in the Western Hockey League for three seasons and captured a Memorial Cup, while being named...

 
1st NHL hat trick October 25, 2008
Blake Wheeler 1st NHL assist November 1, 2008
Blake Wheeler 1st NHL hat trick November 6, 2008
Zdeno Chara
Zdeno Chára
Zdeno Chára is a Slovak professional ice hockey defenseman. He is the captain of the Boston Bruins of the National Hockey League and won the Norris Trophy while playing for them in 2008–09. At 6 ft 9 , he is the tallest player ever to play in the NHL...

 
700th NHL game November 6, 2008
Matt Hunwick
Matt Hunwick
Matthew Hunwick is an American professional ice hockey defenseman currently playing for the Colorado Avalanche of the National Hockey League.-Amateur:...

 
1st NHL goal November 17, 2008
Marc Savard
Marc Savard
Marc Savard is a Canadian professional ice hockey centre currently under contract to the Boston Bruins of the National Hockey League , but who has not played since late in the season because of post-concussion syndrome...

 
600th NHL point November 19, 2008
Patrice Bergeron
Patrice Bergeron
Patrice Bergeron is a Canadian professional ice hockey centre and alternate captain currently playing for the Boston Bruins of the National Hockey League...

 
200th NHL point November 19, 2008
Dennis Wideman
Dennis Wideman
Dennis Earl Wideman is a Canadian professional ice hockey defenceman who currently plays for the Washington Capitals of the National Hockey League...

 
100th NHL point December 8, 2008
Martins Karsums
Martins Karsums
Mārtiņš Karsums is a Latvian professional ice hockey player currently playing as a right winger for Dinamo Riga of the Kontinental Hockey League . Karsums was selected in the second round, 64th overall, in the 2004 NHL Entry Draft by the Boston Bruins...

 
1st NHL game December 13, 2008
Phil Kessel
Phil Kessel
Philip Joseph Kessel, Jr. is an American professional ice hockey forward, and an alternate captain for the Toronto Maple Leafs of the National Hockey League . Kessel is a product of USA Hockey's National Development Team and became that program's all-time leader for goals and points in his final...

 
100th NHL point December 18, 2008
David Krejci
David Krejcí
David Krejčí is a Czech professional ice hockey center currently playing for the Boston Bruins of the National Hockey League .-Playing career:...

 
1st NHL hat trick December 18, 2008
Marc Savard 700th NHL game January 8, 2009
P. J. Axelsson  100th NHL goal January 8, 2009
Byron Bitz
Providence Bruins
The Providence Bruins are an ice hockey team in the American Hockey League, and are the primary development team for the NHL's Boston Bruins. They play in Providence, Rhode Island at the Dunkin' Donuts Center.-History:...

 
1st NHL game
1st NHL assist
January 10, 2009
Martins Karsums 1st NHL assist January 10, 2009
Zdeno Chara 200th NHL assist January 10, 2009
Tuukka Rask
Tuukka Rask
Tuukka Mikael Rask is a Finnish professional ice hockey goaltender currently playing for the Boston Bruins of the National Hockey League . Rask was drafted 21st overall in the 2005 NHL Entry Draft by the Toronto Maple Leafs...

 
1st NHL shutout January 31, 2009
Phil Kessel 200th NHL game February 7, 2009
Byron Bitz
Byron Bitz
Byron John Bitz is a Canadian professional ice hockey player with the Vancouver Canucks organization of the National Hockey League . A third- or fourth-line forward, he is known for his size and physicality....

 
1st NHL goal February 7, 2009
Andrew Ference
Andrew Ference
Andrew James Stewart Ference is a Canadian professional ice hockey defenceman for the Boston Bruins of the National Hockey League...

 
500th NHL game February 21, 2009
Tim Thomas
Tim Thomas (ice hockey)
Timothy James Thomas, Jr. is an American professional ice hockey goaltender with the Boston Bruins of the National Hockey League . Raised in Davison, MI, Thomas played college hockey for the University of Vermont for four years, from 1993–1997, during which he was drafted 217th overall by the...

 
100th NHL win February 26, 2009
Zdeno Chara 100th NHL goal February 28, 2009
Patrice Bergeron 300th NHL game April 2, 2009
Mikko Lehtonen
Mikko Lehtonen (ice hockey b. 1987)
Mikko Kristian Lehtonen is a Finnish ice hockey winger currently playing for Severstal Cherepovets of the Kontinental Hockey League.-Playing career:...

 
1st NHL game April 11, 2009


The Bruins' 5-1 win against the Carolina Hurricanes
Carolina Hurricanes
The Carolina Hurricanes are a professional ice hockey team based in Raleigh, North Carolina, USA. They are members of the Southeast Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League , and play their home games at the 18,680-seat RBC Center...

, on February 17, 2009, was the 200th NHL winning game coached, for current Bruins coach Claude Julien
Claude Julien (ice hockey)
Claude Julien is Canadian professional ice hockey head coach of the Boston Bruins of the National Hockey League . He previously served as the head coach for the Montreal Canadiens and the New Jersey Devils...

.

The Bruins' 5-4 overtime win against the Montreal Canadiens
Montreal Canadiens
The Montreal Canadiens are a professional ice hockey team based in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. They are members of the Northeast Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League . The club is officially known as ...

, on April 9, 2009, was the 400th NHL game coached, for current Bruins coach Claude Julien.
Playoff milestones
Player Milestone Reached
Mark Recchi
Mark Recchi
Mark Louis Recchi is a retired Canadian professional ice hockey right winger who played 22 years in the National Hockey League , most notably for the Pittsburgh Penguins, Philadelphia Flyers, Boston Bruins and Montreal Canadiens...

 
150th playoff game
50th playoff goal
May 12, 2009
Byron Bitz 1st playoff goal May 14, 2009

Awards

Player Award Notes
Claude Julien
Claude Julien (ice hockey)
Claude Julien is Canadian professional ice hockey head coach of the Boston Bruins of the National Hockey League . He previously served as the head coach for the Montreal Canadiens and the New Jersey Devils...

 
Jack Adams Award
Jack Adams Award
The Jack Adams Award is awarded annually to the National Hockey League coach "adjudged to have contributed the most to his team's success." It has been awarded 37 times to 32 different coaches. The winner is selected by a poll of the National Hockey League Broadcasters Association at the end of the...

 
Awarded to the coach adjudged to have contributed the most to his team's success.
Zdeno Chara
Zdeno Chára
Zdeno Chára is a Slovak professional ice hockey defenseman. He is the captain of the Boston Bruins of the National Hockey League and won the Norris Trophy while playing for them in 2008–09. At 6 ft 9 , he is the tallest player ever to play in the NHL...

 
James Norris Memorial Trophy
James Norris Memorial Trophy
The James Norris Memorial Trophy is awarded annually to the National Hockey League's top "defense player who demonstrates throughout the season the greatest all-round ability in the position". The James Norris Memorial Trophy has been awarded 55 times to 23 different players since its beginnings in...

 
Awarded to the defenseman who demonstrates the greatest all-round ability in the position.
Tim Thomas
Tim Thomas (ice hockey)
Timothy James Thomas, Jr. is an American professional ice hockey goaltender with the Boston Bruins of the National Hockey League . Raised in Davison, MI, Thomas played college hockey for the University of Vermont for four years, from 1993–1997, during which he was drafted 217th overall by the...

 
Vezina Trophy
Vezina Trophy
The Vezina Trophy is awarded annually to the National Hockey League's goaltender who is "adjudged to be the best at this position". At the end of each season, the 30 General Managers of the teams in the National Hockey League vote to determine the goaltender who was the most valuable to his team...

 
Awarded to the goaltender who is adjudged to be the best at this position.
Tim Thomas
Manny Fernandez 
William M. Jennings Trophy
William M. Jennings Trophy
The William M. Jennings Trophy is an annual National Hockey League award given to "the goalkeeper having played a minimum of 25 games for the team with the fewest goals scored against it. Winners are selected based on regular-season play." From 1946 until 1981, the Vezina Trophy had been awarded...

 
Awarded to the goalkeeper(s) playing for the team that conceded the fewest goals.
Tim Thomas Roger Crozier Saving Grace Award
Roger Crozier Saving Grace Award
The Roger Crozier Saving Grace Award, officially billed as the MBNA/Mastercard Roger Crozier Saving Grace Award, is an award in ice hockey given annually to the goaltender who finished the regular season with the best save percentage in the National Hockey League . Only goaltenders who played 25...

 
Awarded to the goaltender who finished the season with the best save percentage.
David Krejci
David Krejcí
David Krejčí is a Czech professional ice hockey center currently playing for the Boston Bruins of the National Hockey League .-Playing career:...

 
NHL Plus-Minus Award  Awarded to the player who leads the league in plus/minus statistics.
Patrice Bergeron
Patrice Bergeron
Patrice Bergeron is a Canadian professional ice hockey centre and alternate captain currently playing for the Boston Bruins of the National Hockey League...

 
Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy
Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy
The Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy is awarded annually to the National Hockey League player who best exemplifies the qualities of perseverance, sportsmanship, and dedication to ice hockey. The winner is selected by a poll of the Professional Hockey Writers' Association after each team nominates one...

 nominee
Nominated by the Writers' Association for league-wide recognition.
Zdeno Chara
Tim Thomas
NHL First All-Star Team Voted by representatives of the Professional Hockey Writers' Association.
Milan Lucic
Milan Lucic
Milan Lucic is a Canadian professional ice hockey left winger of Serbian origin currently playing for the Boston Bruins of the National Hockey League . He played major junior with the Vancouver Giants in the Western Hockey League for three seasons and captured a Memorial Cup, while being named...

 
NHL.com Fans' Choice Award Hit of the Season - as voted on by users at NHL.com.


On April 4, prior to the game against the New York Rangers
New York Rangers
The New York Rangers are a professional ice hockey team based in the borough of Manhattan in New York, New York, USA. They are members of the Atlantic Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League . Playing their home games at Madison Square Garden, the Rangers are one of the...

, the team announced its award winners for the season.
Player Award Notes
David Krejci
David Krejcí
David Krejčí is a Czech professional ice hockey center currently playing for the Boston Bruins of the National Hockey League .-Playing career:...

 
NESN Seventh Player Award Awarded to the player who exceeded the expectations of Bruins fans during the season.
Milan Lucic
Milan Lucic
Milan Lucic is a Canadian professional ice hockey left winger of Serbian origin currently playing for the Boston Bruins of the National Hockey League . He played major junior with the Vancouver Giants in the Western Hockey League for three seasons and captured a Memorial Cup, while being named...

 
Eddie Shore Award Awarded to the player who exhibits exceptional hustle and determination.
Marc Savard
Marc Savard
Marc Savard is a Canadian professional ice hockey centre currently under contract to the Boston Bruins of the National Hockey League , but who has not played since late in the season because of post-concussion syndrome...

 
Elizabeth C. Dufresne Trophy
Elizabeth C. Dufresne Trophy
The Elizabeth C. Dufresne Trophy is awarded by the Boston Bruins of the National Hockey League every season to the "Boston Bruins player considered most outstanding in home games."...

 
Awarded by the Boston Chapter of the PHWA, for outstanding performance during home games.
Aaron Ward  John P. Bucyk Award Awarded to the Bruin with the greatest off-ice charitable contributions.
Marc Savard
Zdeno Chara
Zdeno Chára
Zdeno Chára is a Slovak professional ice hockey defenseman. He is the captain of the Boston Bruins of the National Hockey League and won the Norris Trophy while playing for them in 2008–09. At 6 ft 9 , he is the tallest player ever to play in the NHL...


Tim Thomas
Tim Thomas (ice hockey)
Timothy James Thomas, Jr. is an American professional ice hockey goaltender with the Boston Bruins of the National Hockey League . Raised in Davison, MI, Thomas played college hockey for the University of Vermont for four years, from 1993–1997, during which he was drafted 217th overall by the...

 
Three Star Awards Awarded to the top performers at home over the course of the season.

Transactions

Trades
May 27, 2008
To Columbus Blue Jackets
Columbus Blue Jackets
The Columbus Blue Jackets are a professional ice hockey team based in Columbus, Ohio, United States. They are members of the Central Division of the Western Conference of the National Hockey League...

 
Jonathan Sigalet
Jonathan Sigalet
Jonathan Sigalet is a Canadian professional ice hockey defenceman. He played college hockey for the Falcons of Bowling Green State University. He was drafted by the NHL's Boston Bruins in 2005 and was also a part of the Columbus Blue Jackets system, playing for the Springfield Falcons of the...

To Boston Bruins
Boston Bruins
The Boston Bruins are a professional ice hockey team based in Boston, Massachusetts, USA. They are members of the Northeast Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League . The team has been in existence since 1924, and is the league's third-oldest team and its oldest in the...

 
Matt Marquardt
Matt Marquardt
Matt Marquardt is a Canadian ice hockey left winger. He was originally a 7th Round Columbus Blue Jackets draft pick in the 2006 NHL Entry Draft.-Major junior:...

June 21, 2008
To Columbus Blue Jackets
Columbus Blue Jackets
The Columbus Blue Jackets are a professional ice hockey team based in Columbus, Ohio, United States. They are members of the Central Division of the Western Conference of the National Hockey League...

 
Fourth-round pick (#107 overall) in 2008
2008 NHL Entry Draft
The 2008 NHL Entry Draft was the 46th NHL Entry Draft. It was hosted by the Ottawa Senators at Scotiabank Place in the city of Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, on June 20–21, 2008...


Fifth-round pick (#137 overall) in 2008
2008 NHL Entry Draft
The 2008 NHL Entry Draft was the 46th NHL Entry Draft. It was hosted by the Ottawa Senators at Scotiabank Place in the city of Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, on June 20–21, 2008...

To Boston Bruins
Boston Bruins
The Boston Bruins are a professional ice hockey team based in Boston, Massachusetts, USA. They are members of the Northeast Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League . The team has been in existence since 1924, and is the league's third-oldest team and its oldest in the...

 
Fourth-round pick (#97 overall) in 2008
2008 NHL Entry Draft
The 2008 NHL Entry Draft was the 46th NHL Entry Draft. It was hosted by the Ottawa Senators at Scotiabank Place in the city of Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, on June 20–21, 2008...

June 24, 2008
To Colorado Avalanche
Colorado Avalanche
The Colorado Avalanche are a professional ice hockey team based in Denver, Colorado, United States. They are members of the Northwest Division of the Western Conference of the National Hockey League . The Avalanche have won the Stanley Cup twice, in 1995–96 and 2000–01. The franchise...

 
Matt Hendricks
Matt Hendricks
Matthew J. Hendricks is an American ice hockey forward who is currently playing with the Washington Capitals of the NHL.-Playing career:...

To Boston Bruins
Boston Bruins
The Boston Bruins are a professional ice hockey team based in Boston, Massachusetts, USA. They are members of the Northeast Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League . The team has been in existence since 1924, and is the league's third-oldest team and its oldest in the...

 
Johnny Boychuk
Johnny Boychuk
John Paul Boychuk is a professional ice hockey defenceman currently playing for the Boston Bruins of the National Hockey League . He was a member of the Bruins' Stanley Cup Championship team in 2011.-Playing career:...

July 24, 2008
To Chicago Blackhawks
Chicago Blackhawks
The Chicago Blackhawks are a professional ice hockey team based in Chicago, Illinois. They are members of the Central Division of the Western Conference of the National Hockey League . They have won four Stanley Cup championships since their founding in 1926, most recently coming in 2009-10...

 
Pascal Pelletier
Pascal Pelletier
Pascal Pelletier is a Canadian professional ice hockey player for SCL Tigers of the Swiss National League A...

To Boston Bruins
Boston Bruins
The Boston Bruins are a professional ice hockey team based in Boston, Massachusetts, USA. They are members of the Northeast Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League . The team has been in existence since 1924, and is the league's third-oldest team and its oldest in the...

 
Martin St. Pierre
Martin St. Pierre
Martin St. Pierre is a Canadian professional ice hockey player. St. Pierre currently plays for the Columbus Blue Jackets of the NHL.- Playing career :...

October 13, 2008
To Philadelphia Flyers
Philadelphia Flyers
The Philadelphia Flyers are a professional ice hockey team based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. They are members of the Atlantic Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League...

 
Andrew Alberts
Andrew Alberts
Andrew James Alberts is an American professional ice hockey defenseman who plays for the Vancouver Canucks of the National Hockey League . He has additionally played in the NHL with the Boston Bruins, Philadelphia Flyers and Carolina Hurricanes...

To Boston Bruins
Boston Bruins
The Boston Bruins are a professional ice hockey team based in Boston, Massachusetts, USA. They are members of the Northeast Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League . The team has been in existence since 1924, and is the league's third-oldest team and its oldest in the...

 
Ned Lukacevic
Ned Lukacevic
Ned Lukacevic is a professional ice hockey left winger. He is currently playing with the Las Vegas Wranglers in the ECHL. Lukacevic was selected by the Los Angeles Kings in the 4th round of the 2004 NHL Entry Draft....


Fourth-round pick in 2009 draft
March 4, 2009
To Anaheim Ducks
Anaheim Ducks
The Anaheim Ducks are a professional ice hockey team based in Anaheim, California, USA. They are members of the Pacific Division of the Western Conference of the National Hockey League...

 
Petteri Nokelainen
Petteri Nokelainen
Petteri Nokelainen is a Finnish professional ice hockey forward who is currently playing for the Montreal Canadiens of the National Hockey League.-Playing career:...

To Boston Bruins
Boston Bruins
The Boston Bruins are a professional ice hockey team based in Boston, Massachusetts, USA. They are members of the Northeast Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League . The team has been in existence since 1924, and is the league's third-oldest team and its oldest in the...

 
Steve Montador
Steve Montador
Steve Montador is a Canadian professional ice hockey defenceman for the Chicago Blackhawks of the National Hockey League.-Playing career:...

March 4, 2009
To Tampa Bay Lightning
Tampa Bay Lightning
The Tampa Bay Lightning are a professional ice hockey team based in Tampa, Florida. They are members of the Southeast Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League . They have one Stanley Cup championship in their history, in 2003–04. They are often referred to as the...

 
Matt Lashoff
Matt Lashoff
Matt Robert Lashoff is an American professional ice hockey defenseman and professional musician currently playing for the Toronto Maple Leafs of the NHL. Matt's younger brother, Brian Lashoff, is a prospect for the Detroit Red Wings....


Martins Karsums
Martins Karsums
Mārtiņš Karsums is a Latvian professional ice hockey player currently playing as a right winger for Dinamo Riga of the Kontinental Hockey League . Karsums was selected in the second round, 64th overall, in the 2004 NHL Entry Draft by the Boston Bruins...

To Boston Bruins
Boston Bruins
The Boston Bruins are a professional ice hockey team based in Boston, Massachusetts, USA. They are members of the Northeast Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League . The team has been in existence since 1924, and is the league's third-oldest team and its oldest in the...

 
Mark Recchi
Mark Recchi
Mark Louis Recchi is a retired Canadian professional ice hockey right winger who played 22 years in the National Hockey League , most notably for the Pittsburgh Penguins, Philadelphia Flyers, Boston Bruins and Montreal Canadiens...


Second-round pick in 2010 draft



Free Agents
Player Former team
Michael Ryder
Michael Ryder
Michael Wayne Glen Ryder is a Canadian professional ice hockey right winger who plays for the Dallas Stars of the National Hockey League. He was born in St John's, Newfoundland.-Pre-NHL:...

 
Montreal Canadiens
Montreal Canadiens
The Montreal Canadiens are a professional ice hockey team based in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. They are members of the Northeast Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League . The club is officially known as ...

Blake Wheeler
Blake Wheeler
Blake James Wheeler is an American professional ice hockey right winger currently playing for the Winnipeg Jets of the National Hockey League . He was drafted by the Phoenix Coyotes in the first round, fifth overall, in the 2004 NHL Entry Draft.-Early career:Wheeler attended Breck School his...

 
Phoenix Coyotes
Phoenix Coyotes
The Phoenix Coyotes are a professional ice hockey team based in Glendale, Arizona. They are members of the Pacific Division of the Western Conference of the National Hockey League . They play their home games at Jobing.com Arena....

Stephane Yelle
Stephane Yelle
Stéphane Yelle is a former Canadian professional ice hockey centre. He won two Stanley Cups with the Colorado Avalanche, and also played in the National Hockey League with the Calgary Flames, Boston Bruins and the Carolina Hurricanes....

 
Calgary Flames
Calgary Flames
The Calgary Flames are a professional ice hockey team based in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. They are members of the Northwest Division of the Western Conference of the National Hockey League . The club is the third major-professional ice hockey team to represent the city of Calgary, following the...



Claimed from waivers
Player Former team Date claimed off waivers


Draft picks

Boston's picks at the 2008 NHL Entry Draft
2008 NHL Entry Draft
The 2008 NHL Entry Draft was the 46th NHL Entry Draft. It was hosted by the Ottawa Senators at Scotiabank Place in the city of Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, on June 20–21, 2008...

 in Ottawa, Ontario
Ontario
Ontario is a province of Canada, located in east-central Canada. It is Canada's most populous province and second largest in total area. It is home to the nation's most populous city, Toronto, and the nation's capital, Ottawa....

.
Round # Player Position Nationality College/junior/club team (league)
1 16 Joe Colborne
Joe Colborne
Joe Colborne is a Canadian professional ice hockey forward with the Toronto Maple Leafs. He was drafted by the Boston Bruins in the first round, 16th overall, in the 2008 NHL Entry Draft.-Playing career:...

 
Center Camrose Kodiaks
Camrose Kodiaks
The Camrose Kodiaks are a Canadian Junior "A" ice hockey team in the Alberta Junior Hockey League. They play in Camrose, Alberta, Canada at the Edgeworth Centre's Encana Arena, capacity 2500+....

 (AJHL
Alberta Junior Hockey League
The Alberta Junior Hockey League is an Alberta-based Junior A hockey league that belongs to the Canadian Junior Hockey League . It was formed as a five-team league in 1964. There are currently 16 teams in the league. The regular season league champions receive the Dave Duchak Trophy...

) / University of Denver
University of Denver
The University of Denver is currently ranked 82nd among all public and private "National Universities" by U.S. News & World Report in the 2012 rankings....

2 47 Maxime Sauve  Center Val d'Or Foreurs
Val-d'Or Foreurs
The Val-d'Or Foreurs are a junior ice hockey team based in Val-d'Or, in the region of Abitibi-Témiscamingue, Quebec, Canada. The team was founded for the 1993–94 season of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League, a member of the Canadian Hockey League. Former Quebec Nordiques and Trois-Rivières...

 (QMJHL
Quebec Major Junior Hockey League
The Quebec Major Junior Hockey League is one of the three major junior ice hockey leagues which constitute the Canadian Hockey League...

)
3 77 Michael Hutchinson
Michael Hutchinson (ice hockey)
Michael Hutchinson is a Canadian professional ice hockey goaltender who is currently playing with the Boston Bruins in the National Hockey League . He was selected by the Boston Bruins in the 3rd round of the 2008 NHL Entry Draft.Hutchinson grew up playing minor hockey for the Barrie Icemen of...

 
Goaltender Barrie Colts
Barrie Colts
The Barrie Colts are a junior ice hockey team in Ontario Hockey League, based in Barrie, Ontario, Canada. There were two previous Barrie Colts team which played Junior A & B hockey in the Ontario Hockey Association, one from 1907 until 1910 and another from the 1920s to 1940s.-Original Colts:The...

 (OHL
Ontario Hockey League
The Ontario Hockey League is one of the three Major Junior ice hockey leagues which constitute the Canadian Hockey League. The league is for players aged 15-20.The OHL also operates under the Ontario Hockey Federation of Hockey Canada....

)
4 97 Jamie Arniel
Jamie Arniel
Jamie Gregory Arniel is a Canadian ice hockey centre who currently plays for the Boston Bruins of the National Hockey League...

 
Center Sarnia Sting
Sarnia Sting
The Sarnia Sting are a junior ice hockey team in the Ontario Hockey League. They play out of the RBC Centre, formerly the Sarnia Sports and Entertainment Centre in Sarnia, Ontario, Canada.-History:...

 (OHL)
6 173 Nicholas Tremblay  Center Smiths Falls Bears
Smiths Falls Bears
The Smiths Falls Bears are a Junior "A" ice hockey team from Smiths Falls, Ontario, Canada. They are a part of the Central Canada Hockey League. They were original members, but then left Smiths Falls in 1976...

 (CJHL
Central Junior A Hockey League
The Central Canada Hockey League is a Canadian Junior "A" ice hockey league operating in eastern Ontario, Canada. The league is sanctioned by the Ottawa District Hockey Association and Hockey Canada and is a member of the Canadian Junior Hockey League...

) / Clarkson University
Clarkson University
-The Clarkson School:The Clarkson School, a special division of Clarkson University, was founded in 1978 as a unique educational opportunity. The School offers students an early entrance opportunity into college, replacing the typical senior year of high school with a year of college...

7 197 Mark Goggin  Center Choate-Rosemary
Choate Rosemary Hall
Choate Rosemary Hall is a private, college-preparatory, coeducational boarding school located in Wallingford, Connecticut...

 (HIGH-CT)

Affiliates

American Hockey League
American Hockey League
The American Hockey League is a 30-team professional ice hockey league based in the United States and Canada that serves as the primary developmental circuit for the National Hockey League...

 - Providence Bruins
Providence Bruins
The Providence Bruins are an ice hockey team in the American Hockey League, and are the primary development team for the NHL's Boston Bruins. They play in Providence, Rhode Island at the Dunkin' Donuts Center.-History:...

 (Standings)
Johnny Boychuk
Johnny Boychuk
John Paul Boychuk is a professional ice hockey defenceman currently playing for the Boston Bruins of the National Hockey League . He was a member of the Bruins' Stanley Cup Championship team in 2011.-Playing career:...

 was selected as a starter for Team Canada in the 2009 AHL All Star Classic. Martins Karsums
Martins Karsums
Mārtiņš Karsums is a Latvian professional ice hockey player currently playing as a right winger for Dinamo Riga of the Kontinental Hockey League . Karsums was selected in the second round, 64th overall, in the 2004 NHL Entry Draft by the Boston Bruins...

was selected as a reserve for the PlanetUSA team. Both players were under two-way NHL contracts and played games with Boston during the season. In the game, Karsums, named as a late starter, scored two goals and three assists.
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