2008–09 Boston Bruins season explained
League: | NHL |
Season: | 2008–09 |
Year: | 2008 |
Team: | Boston Bruins |
Conferencerank: | 1st |
Divisionrank: | 1st |
Record: | 53–19–10 |
Homerecord: | 29–6–6 |
Roadrecord: | 24–13–4 |
Goalsfor: | 274 |
Goalsagainst: | 196 |
Attendance: | 17,039 (97.0%) Total: 698,638 |
Goalsleader: | Phil Kessel (36) |
Assistsleader: | Marc Savard (63) |
Pointsleader: | Marc Savard (88) |
Plusminusleader: | David Krejci (+37) |
Pimleader: | Milan Lucic (136) |
Winsleader: | Tim Thomas (36) |
Gaaleader: | Tim Thomas (2.10) |
Divisionwin: | Yes |
The 2008–09 Boston Bruins season was the Bruins' 85th season in the National Hockey League (NHL). Their regular season began on the road on October 9, 2008, in Denver versus the Colorado Avalanche and concluded on April 12, 2009, against the New York Islanders. The Bruins looked to improve upon the accomplishments of the 2007–08 season, which included Boston's return to the Stanley Cup Playoffs for the first time since the 2003–04 season.
Marc Savard again led the team in scoring for the regular season, his 88 points good for ninth in the league. Tim Thomas led all goaltenders in both save percentage and goals against at season's end, while sophomore sensation David Krejci led the league in plus-minus, narrowly beating out rookie teammate Blake Wheeler.
The Bruins claimed their first division title since 2004 and clinched top seed in the East for the first time since 2002.
Season events
See also: 2008–09 NHL season. Arguably the two biggest events to occur during the Bruins' off-season were the acquisition of Montreal Canadiens forward Michael Ryder,[1] a noted 30-goal scorer, and Blake Wheeler, a promising 21-year-old from the University of Minnesota.[2] Twelve-year veteran Stephane Yelle was another strong addition to the roster.[3] Added to a line-up featuring young stars such as Phil Kessel and Milan Lucic, the return of Patrice Bergeron, the improved goaltending of veteran Tim Thomas and coming off the back of an impressive post-season, expectations were high for the team.
Preseason
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, the New York Islanders, the Washington Capitals and the defending Stanley Cup champions, the Detroit Red Wings. Boston maintained a 3–4–1 record through the pre-season with victories against the Canadiens, Capitals and Red Wings, including an impressive 8–3 victory over arch-rivals Montreal in their first match-up.
October
On October 9, the Bruins opened their regular season against the Colorado Avalanche, at the Pepsi Center.[4] 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,[5] including a shootout loss to their rivals, the Montreal Canadiens.[6]
The Bruins home opener took place on October 20, with the team suffering another shootout defeat, this time to the Pittsburgh Penguins.[7] Boston secured its first home victory of the season on October 25,[8] against the Atlanta Thrashers 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 ice.[9] Winger Milan Lucic recorded his first NHL hat trick in the game, also adding an assist in the 5–4 victory.[10]
On October 27, in Edmonton in overtime and October 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).[11]
The Bruins ended October with a loss to the Calgary Flames on the road,[12] and finished the month with a 5–3–3 record.[13]
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.[14] 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.[15] One of those wins was a convincing 6–1 victory over the Montreal Canadiens 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, Blake Wheeler recorded his first NHL hat trick, while Captain Zdeno Chara celebrated his 700th NHL game.[16] In the return leg, on November 17, Matt Hunwick scored his first NHL goal as the Bruins once again defeated the Maple Leafs. Two days later, Marc Savard would secure his 600th NHL point with a goal and three assists in the Bruins' 7–4 win against the Buffalo Sabres.[17] On December 18, centre David Krejci recorded his first NHL hat trick in an 8–5 win against Toronto. Phil Kessel also scored two goals in the match, his second bringing up his 100th career point.[18]
Boston finished the month of November with an 11–1–1 record, including an 8–0–0 record at home.[19] They would carry that form through the month of December, finishing with a remarkable 12–1–0 record and remaining undefeated at TD Garden (4–0–0).[20] Phil Kessel maintained an 18-game point streak from November 13 to December 21, the longest such streak overall for the season and equalling Ed Olczyk's record for the longest point streak by an American-born player in NHL history.[21] 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 the Carolina Hurricanes' Dennis Seidenberg.[22] Bergeron would go on to miss the next 15 games.[23]
January
Boston would begin 2009 in the same manner with which they ended 2008 – with a victory over the defending Eastern Conference champions, the Pittsburgh Penguins.[24] 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 the San Jose Sharks.[25]
From January 12 to 29, forward Phil Kessel was sidelined with mononucleosis.[26] [27] 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.[28] [29] 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.[30] On January 31, Tuukka Rask, recalled from the Providence Bruins, 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.[31]
All-Star weekend
See main article: 57th National Hockey League All-Star Game. Three Bruins were assigned to the Eastern Conference for the 57th National Hockey League All-Star Game, with Zdeno Chara, Marc Savard and Tim Thomas all representing Boston as reserves.[32] Coach Claude Julien was also named as head coach ahead of Montreal counterpart, Guy Carbonneau.[33] Over the course of the weekend, Blake Wheeler was named MVP of the YoungStars game with a four-goal performance,[34] Zdeno Chara recorded the hardest ever shot (105.4 mph) in the SuperSkills Competition,[35] while Chara, Savard and Thomas celebrated victory in the All-Star Game, with Savard tallying three assists while Thomas was awarded the win for his efforts in both the overtime and shootout periods.[36]
March
On March 4, the Bruins acquired defenseman Steve Montador from the Anaheim Ducks in exchange for forward Petteri Nokelainen.[37] Later that day, the club announced the acquisition of forward Mark Recchi and a second round draft pick in the 2010 NHL Entry Draft from the Tampa Bay Lightning in exchange for defenseman Matt Lashoff and forward Martins Karsums.[38] Three days later, on March 7, Recchi scored a pair of goals in his second outing for the Bruins, against the Chicago Blackhawks.[39]
The Bruins secured their second successive playoff berth on March 21, when the Florida Panthers lost to the Columbus Blue Jackets. The following night, they secured the Northeast Division title with a 4–1 victory against Eastern rivals the New Jersey Devils.[40]
April
On April 2, against the Ottawa Senators, Boston recorded their 50th win for the season, the eighth time in franchise history and first since 1992–93 that the mark had been achieved.[41] 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.[42]
Standings
Conference standings
Schedule and results
Preseason
Regular season
The Bruins allowed only 190 goals (excluding 6 shootout goals), the fewest among all 30 teams.[43] [44]
2008–09 game log |
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October: 5–3–3 (home: 1–1–1; road: 4–2–2) |
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| Date | Visitor | Score | Home | OT | Decision | Attendance | Record | Pts | Recap | 1 | October 9 | Boston Bruins | 5–4 | Colorado Avalanche | | Tim Thomas | 18,007 | 1–0–0 | 2 | http://www.nhl.com/ice/recap.htm?id=2008020006 | 2 | October 11 | Boston Bruins | 3–4 | Minnesota Wild | | Manny Fernandez | 18,568 | 1–1–0 | 2 | http://www.nhl.com/ice/recap.htm?id=2008020025 | 3 | October 15 | Boston Bruins | 3–4 | Montreal Canadiens | SO | Tim Thomas | 21,273 | 1–1–1 | 3 | http://www.nhl.com/ice/recap.htm?id=2008020045 | 4 | October 18 | Boston Bruins | 4–2 | Ottawa Senators | | Manny Fernandez | 20,182 | 2–1–1 | 5 | http://www.nhl.com/ice/recap.htm?id=2008020065 | 5 | October 20 | Pittsburgh Penguins | 2–1 | Boston Bruins | SO | Tim Thomas | 17,565 | 2–1–2 | 6 | http://www.nhl.com/ice/recap.htm?id=2008020078 | 6 | October 21 | Boston Bruins | 2–3 | Buffalo Sabres | SO | Manny Fernandez | 18,690 | 2–1–3 | 7 | http://www.nhl.com/ice/recap.htm?id=2008020082 | 7 | October 23 | Toronto Maple Leafs | 4–2 | Boston Bruins | | Tim Thomas | 12,274 | 2–2–3 | 7 | http://www.nhl.com/ice/recap.htm?id=2008020092 | 8 | October 25 | Atlanta Thrashers | 4–5 | Boston Bruins | | Manny Fernandez | 16,044 | 3–2–3 | 9 | http://www.nhl.com/ice/recap.htm?id=2008020105 | 9 | October 27 | Boston Bruins | 1–0 | Edmonton Oilers | OT | Tim Thomas | 16,839 | 4–2–3 | 11 | http://www.nhl.com/ice/recap.htm?id=2008020124 | 10 | October 28 | Boston Bruins | 1–0 | Vancouver Canucks | | Tim Thomas | 18,630 | 5–2–3 | 13 | http://www.nhl.com/ice/recap.htm?id=2008020131 | 11 | October 30 | Boston Bruins | 2–3 | Calgary Flames | | Tim Thomas | 19,289 | 5–3–3 | 13 | http://www.nhl.com/ice/recap.htm?id=2008020144 | |
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November: 11–1–1 (home: 8–0–0; road: 3–1–1) |
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| Date | Visitor | Score | Home | OT | Decision | Attendance | Record | Pts | Recap | 12 | November 1 | Dallas Stars | 1–5 | Boston Bruins | | Tim Thomas | 14,576 | 6–3–3 | 15 | http://www.nhl.com/ice/recap.htm?id=2008020151 | 13 | November 6 | Toronto Maple Leafs | 2–5 | Boston Bruins | | Tim Thomas | 15,391 | 7–3–3 | 17 | http://www.nhl.com/ice/recap.htm?id=2008020181 | 14 | November 8 | Buffalo Sabres | 1–3 | Boston Bruins | | Manny Fernandez | 17,565 | 8–3–3 | 19 | http://www.nhl.com/ice/recap.htm?id=2008020196 | 15 | November 12 | Boston Bruins | 2–1 | Chicago Blackhawks | SO | Tim Thomas | 22,092 | 9–3–3 | 21 | http://www.nhl.com/ice/recap.htm?id=2008020226 | 16 | November 13 | Montreal Canadiens | 1–6 | Boston Bruins | | Manny Fernandez | 16,816 | 10–3–3 | 23 | http://www.nhl.com/ice/recap.htm?id=2008020228 | 17 | November 15 | Boston Bruins | 2–3 | New York Rangers | SO | Tim Thomas | 18,200 | 10–3–4 | 24 | http://www.nhl.com/ice/recap.htm?id=2008020245 | 18 | November 17 | Boston Bruins | 3–2 | Toronto Maple Leafs | | Tim Thomas | 19,410 | 11–3–4 | 26 | http://www.nhl.com/ice/recap.htm?id=2008020259 | 19 | November 19 | Buffalo Sabres | 4–7 | Boston Bruins | | Manny Fernandez | 15,632 | 12–3–4 | 28 | http://www.nhl.com/ice/recap.htm?id=2008020268 | 20 | November 21 | Florida Panthers | 2–4 | Boston Bruins | | Tim Thomas | 16,878 | 13–3–4 | 30 | http://www.nhl.com/ice/recap.htm?id=2008020279 | 21 | November 22 | Boston Bruins | 3–2 | Montreal Canadiens | SO | Tim Thomas | 21,273 | 14–3–4 | 32 | http://www.nhl.com/ice/recap.htm?id=2008020289 | 22 | November 26 | Boston Bruins | 2–3 | Buffalo Sabres | | Tim Thomas | 18,326 | 14–4–4 | 32 | http://www.nhl.com/ice/recap.htm?id=2008020309 | 23 | November 28 | New York Islanders | 2–7 | Boston Bruins | | Manny Fernandez | 17,565 | 15–4–4 | 34 | http://www.nhl.com/ice/recap.htm?id=2008020323 | 24 | November 29 | Detroit Red Wings | 1–4 | Boston Bruins | | Manny Fernandez | 17,565 | 16–4–4 | 36 | http://www.nhl.com/ice/recap.htm?id=2008020336 | |
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December: 12–1–0 (home: 4–0–0; road: 8–1–0) |
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| Date | Visitor | Score | Home | OT | Decision | Attendance | Record | Pts | Recap | 25 | December 4 | Boston Bruins | 3–1 | Tampa Bay Lightning | | Tim Thomas | 15,598 | 17–4–4 | 38 | http://www.nhl.com/ice/recap.htm?id=2008020370 | 26 | December 6 | Boston Bruins | 4–0 | Florida Panthers | | Manny Fernandez | 16,213 | 18–4–4 | 40 | http://www.nhl.com/ice/recap.htm?id=2008020385 | 27 | December 8 | Tampa Bay Lightning | 3–5 | Boston Bruins | | Tim Thomas | 16,973 | 19–4–4 | 42 | http://www.nhl.com/ice/recap.htm?id=2008020397 | 28 | December 10 | Boston Bruins | 1–3 | Washington Capitals | | Manny Fernandez | 17,697 | 19–5–4 | 42 | http://www.nhl.com/ice/recap.htm?id=2008020407 | 29 | December 12 | Boston Bruins | 7–3 | Atlanta Thrashers | | Tim Thomas | 15,818 | 20–5–4 | 44 | http://www.nhl.com/ice/recap.htm?id=2008020425 | 30 | December 13 | Atlanta Thrashers | 2–4 | Boston Bruins | | Manny Fernandez | 17,565 | 21–5–4 | 46 | http://www.nhl.com/ice/recap.htm?id=2008020431 | 31 | December 18 | Toronto Maple Leafs | 5–8 | Boston Bruins | | Tim Thomas | 17,565 | 22–5–4 | 48 | http://www.nhl.com/ice/recap.htm?id=2008020460 | 32 | December 20 | Carolina Hurricanes | 2–4 | Boston Bruins | | Manny Fernandez | 17,565 | 23–5–4 | 50 | http://www.nhl.com/ice/recap.htm?id=2008020474 | 33 | December 21 | Boston Bruins | 6–3 | St. Louis Blues | | Manny Fernandez | 19,150 | 24–5–4 | 52 | http://www.nhl.com/ice/recap.htm?id=2008020487 | 34 | December 23 | Boston Bruins | 2–0 | New Jersey Devils | | Tim Thomas | 16,304 | 25–5–4 | 54 | http://www.nhl.com/ice/recap.htm?id=2008020494 | 35 | December 27 | Boston Bruins | 4–2 | Carolina Hurricanes | | Tim Thomas | 16,705 | 26–5–4 | 56 | http://www.nhl.com/ice/recap.htm?id=2008020518 | 36 | December 28 | Boston Bruins | 2–1 | Atlanta Thrashers | | Manny Fernandez | 16,835 | 27–5–4 | 58 | http://www.nhl.com/ice/recap.htm?id=2008020527 | 37 | December 30 | Boston Bruins | 5–2 | Pittsburgh Penguins | | Tim Thomas | 17,132 | 28–5–4 | 60 | http://www.nhl.com/ice/recap.htm?id=2008020541 | |
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January: 8–3–2 (home: 6–2–2; road: 2–1–0) |
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| Date | Visitor | Score | Home | OT | Decision | Attendance | Record | Pts | Recap | 38 | January 1 | Pittsburgh Penguins | 2–4 | Boston Bruins | | Manny Fernandez | 17,565 | 29–5–4 | 62 | http://www.nhl.com/ice/recap.htm?id=2008020555 | 39 | January 3 | Buffalo Sabres | 4–2 | Boston Bruins | | Tim Thomas | 17,565 | 29–6–4 | 62 | http://www.nhl.com/ice/recap.htm?id=2008020565 | 40 | January 6 | Minnesota Wild | 1–0 | Boston Bruins | | Manny Fernandez | 16,272 | 29–7–4 | 62 | http://www.nhl.com/ice/recap.htm?id=2008020585 | 41 | January 8 | Ottawa Senators | 4–6 | Boston Bruins | | Manny Fernandez | 16,464 | 30–7–4 | 64 | http://www.nhl.com/ice/recap.htm?id=2008020598 | 42 | January 10 | Carolina Hurricanes | 1–5 | Boston Bruins | | Tim Thomas | 17,565 | 31–7–4 | 66 | http://www.nhl.com/ice/recap.htm?id=2008020614 | 43 | January 13 | Montreal Canadiens | 1–3 | Boston Bruins | | Tim Thomas | 17,565 | 32–7–4 | 68 | http://www.nhl.com/ice/recap.htm?id=2008020631 | 44 | January 15 | Boston Bruins | 2–1 | New York Islanders | | Tim Thomas | 15,548 | 33–7–4 | 70 | http://www.nhl.com/ice/recap.htm?id=2008020646 | 45 | January 17 | Boston Bruins | 1–2 | Washington Capitals | | Tim Thomas | 18,277 | 33–8–4 | 70 | http://www.nhl.com/ice/recap.htm?id=2008020666 | 46 | January 19 | St. Louis Blues | 5–4 | Boston Bruins | SO | Tim Thomas | 17,565 | 33–8–5 | 71 | http://www.nhl.com/ice/recap.htm?id=2008020677 | 47 | January 21 | Boston Bruins | 4–3 | Toronto Maple Leafs | SO | Tim Thomas | 19,258 | 34–8–5 | 73 | http://www.nhl.com/ice/recap.htm?id=2008020695 | 48 | January 27 | Washington Capitals | 2–3 | Boston Bruins | OT | Tim Thomas | 17,565 | 35–8–5 | 75 | http://www.nhl.com/ice/recap.htm?id=2008020701 | 49 | January 29 | New Jersey Devils | 4–3 | Boston Bruins | OT | Tim Thomas | 17,565 | 35–8–6 | 76 | http://www.nhl.com/ice/recap.htm?id=2008020716 | 50 | January 31 | New York Rangers | 0–1 | Boston Bruins | | Tuukka Rask | 17,565 | 36–8–6 | 78 | http://www.nhl.com/ice/recap.htm?id=2008020731 | |
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February: 6–4–3 (home: 2–1–2; road: 4–3–1) |
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| Date | Visitor | Score | Home | OT | Decision | Attendance | Record | Pts | Recap | 51 | February 1 | Boston Bruins | 3–1 | Montreal Canadiens | | Tim Thomas | 21,273 | 37–8–6 | 80 | http://www.nhl.com/ice/recap.htm?id=2008020743 | 52 | February 4 | Boston Bruins | 3–1 | Philadelphia Flyers | | Tim Thomas | 19,748 | 38–8–6 | 82 | http://www.nhl.com/ice/recap.htm?id=2008020759 | 53 | February 5 | Boston Bruins | 4–3 | Ottawa Senators | SO | Tim Thomas | 17,297 | 39–8–6 | 84 | http://www.nhl.com/ice/recap.htm?id=2008020765 | 54 | February 7 | Philadelphia Flyers | 4–3 | Boston Bruins | OT | Manny Fernandez | 17,565 | 39–8–7 | 85 | http://www.nhl.com/ice/recap.htm?id=2008020777 | 55 | February 10 | San Jose Sharks | 5–2 | Boston Bruins | | Tim Thomas | 17,565 | 39–9–7 | 85 | http://www.nhl.com/ice/recap.htm?id=2008020795 | 56 | February 13 | Boston Bruins | 0–1 | New Jersey Devils | | Tim Thomas | 15,257 | 39–10–7 | 85 | http://www.nhl.com/ice/recap.htm?id=2008020818 | 57 | February 14 | Boston Bruins | 2–3 | Nashville Predators | SO | Manny Fernandez | 17,113 | 39–10–8 | 86 | http://www.nhl.com/ice/recap.htm?id=2008020830 | 58 | February 17 | Boston Bruins | 5–1 | Carolina Hurricanes | | Tim Thomas | 18,680 | 40–10–8 | 88 | http://www.nhl.com/ice/recap.htm?id=2008020847 | 59 | February 21 | Boston Bruins | 0–2 | Florida Panthers | | Tim Thomas | 19,343 | 40–11–8 | 88 | http://www.nhl.com/ice/recap.htm?id=2008020882 | 60 | February 22 | Boston Bruins | 3–4 | Tampa Bay Lightning | | Manny Fernandez | 18,454 | 40–12–8 | 88 | http://www.nhl.com/ice/recap.htm?id=2008020889 | 61 | February 24 | Florida Panthers | 1–6 | Boston Bruins | | Tim Thomas | 16,781 | 41–12–8 | 90 | http://www.nhl.com/ice/recap.htm?id=2008020893 | 62 | February 26 | Anaheim Ducks | 0–6 | Boston Bruins | | Tim Thomas | 17,565 | 42–12–8 | 92 | http://www.nhl.com/ice/recap.htm?id=2008020908 | 63 | February 28 | Washington Capitals | 4–3 | Boston Bruins | OT | Tim Thomas | 17,565 | 42–12–9 | 93 | http://www.nhl.com/ice/recap.htm?id=2008020923 | |
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March: 7–5–1 (home: 5–2–1; road: 2–3–0) |
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| Date | Visitor | Score | Home | OT | Decision | Attendance | Record | Pts | Recap | 64 | March 3 | Philadelphia Flyers | 4–2 | Boston Bruins | | Manny Fernandez | 17,020 | 42–13–9 | 93 | http://www.nhl.com/ice/recap.htm?id=2008020941 | 65 | March 5 | Phoenix Coyotes | 2–1 | Boston Bruins | | Tim Thomas | 16,818 | 42–14–9 | 93 | http://www.nhl.com/ice/recap.htm?id=2008020955 | 66 | March 7 | Chicago Blackhawks | 3–5 | Boston Bruins | | Tim Thomas | 17,565 | 43–14–9 | 95 | http://www.nhl.com/ice/recap.htm?id=2008020969 | 67 | March 8 | Boston Bruins | 3–4 | New York Rangers | | Manny Fernandez | 18,200 | 43–15–9 | 95 | http://www.nhl.com/ice/recap.htm?id=2008020980 | 68 | March 10 | Boston Bruins | 0–2 | Columbus Blue Jackets | | Tim Thomas | 16,675 | 43–16–9 | 95 | http://www.nhl.com/ice/recap.htm?id=2008020991 | 69 | March 12 | Ottawa Senators | 3–5 | Boston Bruins | | Tim Thomas | 17,022 | 44–16–9 | 97 | http://www.nhl.com/ice/recap.htm?id=2008021003 | 70 | March 14 | New York Islanders | 1–2 | Boston Bruins | | Tim Thomas | 17,565 | 45–16–9 | 99 | http://www.nhl.com/ice/recap.htm?id=2008021018 | 71 | March 15 | Boston Bruins | 4–6 | Pittsburgh Penguins | | Tim Thomas | 17,132 | 45–17–9 | 99 | http://www.nhl.com/ice/recap.htm?id=2008021032 | 72 | March 19 | Los Angeles Kings | 3–2 | Boston Bruins | OT | Tim Thomas | 17,565 | 45–17–10 | 100 | http://www.nhl.com/ice/recap.htm?id=2008021055 | 73 | March 22 | New Jersey Devils | 1–4 | Boston Bruins | | Tim Thomas | 17,565 | 46–17–10 | 102 | http://www.nhl.com/ice/recap.htm?id=2008021078 | 74 | March 28 | Boston Bruins | 7–5 | Toronto Maple Leafs | | Manny Fernandez | 19,360 | 47–17–10 | 104 | http://www.nhl.com/ice/recap.htm?id=2008021117 | 75 | March 29 | Boston Bruins | 4–3 | Philadelphia Flyers | | Tim Thomas | 19,715 | 48–17–10 | 106 | http://www.nhl.com/ice/recap.htm?id=2008021130 | 76 | March 31 | Tampa Bay Lightning | 1–3 | Boston Bruins | | Manny Fernandez | 16,996 | 49–17–10 | 108 | http://www.nhl.com/ice/recap.htm?id=2008021137 | |
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Legend: | |
Stanley Cup playoffs
See main article: 2009 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.[45]
Eastern Conference Quarterfinals
Boston played the eighth-seeded Montreal Canadiens 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 ten seasons.
The Bruins won the first game of the series 4–2, with goals from Phil Kessel, David Krejci and a powerplay winner from Zdeno Chara. In Game 2, Marc Savard had two goals and an assist, while Chuck Kobasew, Shane Hnidy – named as a replacement for the injured Matt Hunwick[46] [47] – and Michael Ryder also scored as the Bruins won 5–1. Milan Lucic was suspended for Game 3 after receiving a match penalty in the closing stages of game two for striking Montreal's Maxim Lapierre in the head with his stick.[48] Boston then travelled to Montreal for Game 3, where they secured another 4–2 victory with goals by Kessel, Ryder, Kobasew and Shawn Thornton. They completed the sweep by winning Game 4, 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.
Eastern Conference semifinals
Boston faced the Carolina Hurricanes, a franchise which carried the legacy of Boston's longtime rival the Hartford Whalers. 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. Ward's shutout in Game 2, and Jussi Jokinen's 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 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 |
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Eastern Conference quarterfinals vs E8 Montreal Canadiens: 4–0 (home: 2–0; road: 2–0) |
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| Date | Visitor | Score | Home | OT | Boston goals | Montreal goals | Decision | Attendance | Series | Recap | 1 | April 16 | Montreal Canadiens | 2–4 | Boston Bruins | | Kessel (2), Krejci, Chara | Higgins, Kovalev | Thomas | 17,565 | 1–0 | http://www.nhl.com/ice/recap.htm?id=2008030111 | 2 | April 18 | Montreal Canadiens | 1–5 | Boston Bruins | | Savard (2), Kobasew, Hnidy, Ryder | Kovalev | Thomas | 17,565 | 2–0 | http://www.nhl.com/ice/recap.htm?id=2008030112 | 3 | April 20 | Boston Bruins | 4–2 | Montreal Canadiens | | Kessel, Thornton, Ryder, Kobasew | Higgins, Weber | Thomas | 21,273 | 3–0 | http://www.nhl.com/ice/recap.htm?id=2008030113 | 4 | April 22 | Boston Bruins | 4–1 | Montreal Canadiens | | Ryder (2), Krejci, Kessel | A. Kostitsyn | Thomas | 21,273 | 4–0 | http://www.nhl.com/ice/recap.htm?id=2008030114 | |
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Eastern Conference semifinals vs E6 Carolina Hurricanes: 3–4 (home: 2–2; road: 1–2) |
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| Date | Visitor | Score | Home | OT | Boston goals | Carolina goals | Decision | Attendance | Series | Recap | 1 | May 1 | Carolina Hurricanes | 1–4 | Boston Bruins | | Ward, Savard (2), Ryder | Jokinen | Thomas | 17,565 | 1–0 | http://www.nhl.com/ice/recap.htm?id=2008030211 | 2 | May 3 | Carolina Hurricanes | 3–0 | Boston Bruins | | | Corvo, Cullen, E. Staal | Thomas | 17,565 | 1–1 | http://www.nhl.com/ice/recap.htm?id=2008030212 | 3 | May 6 | Boston Bruins | 2–3 | Carolina Hurricanes | 2:48 | Lucic, Recchi | E. Staal, Samsonov, Jokinen | Thomas | 18,680 | 1–2 | http://www.nhl.com/ice/recap.htm?id=2008030213 | 4 | May 8 | Boston Bruins | 1–4 | Carolina Hurricanes | | Savard | E. Staal (2), Jokinen, Samsonov | Thomas | 18,878 | 1–3 | http://www.nhl.com/ice/recap.htm?id=2008030214 | 5 | May 10 | Carolina Hurricanes | 0–4 | Boston Bruins | | Recchi, Kessel (2), Lucic | | Thomas | 17,565 | 2–3 | http://www.nhl.com/ice/recap.htm?id=2008030215 | 6 | May 12 | Boston Bruins | 4–2 | Carolina Hurricanes | | Recchi, Montador, Savard, Kobasew | Cullen, Samsanov | Thomas | 18,680 | 3–3 | http://www.nhl.com/ice/recap.htm?id=2008030216 | 7 | May 14 | Carolina Hurricanes | 3–2 | Boston Bruins | 18:46 | Bitz, Lucic | Brind'Amour, Samsonov, Walker | Thomas | 17,565 | 3–4 | http://www.nhl.com/ice/recap.htm?id=2008030217 | |
| |
- Scorer of game-winning goal in italics
Player statistics
Skaters
Note: GP = Games played; G = Goals; A = Assists; Pts = Points; +/- = Plus–minus; PIM = Penalty minutes
- †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; W = Wins; L = Losses; OT = Overtime/shootout losses; SO = Shutouts; SA = Shots Against; GA = Goals against; SV% = Save percentage
Awards and records
Milestones
Regular season milestones |
Player | Milestone | Reached |
| 1st NHL game 1st NHL goal 1st NHL point | October 9, 2008 |
| 100th NHL goal | October 9, 2008 |
| 700th NHL game | October 15, 2008 |
| 300th NHL appearance | October 21, 2008 |
| 1st NHL hat trick | October 25, 2008 |
Blake Wheeler | 1st NHL assist | November 1, 2008 |
Blake Wheeler | 1st NHL hat trick | November 6, 2008 |
| 700th NHL game | November 6, 2008 |
| 1st NHL goal | November 17, 2008 |
| 600th NHL point | November 19, 2008 |
| 200th NHL point | November 19, 2008 |
| 100th NHL point | December 8, 2008 |
| 1st NHL game | December 13, 2008 |
| 100th NHL point | December 18, 2008 |
| 1st NHL hat trick | December 18, 2008 |
Marc Savard | 700th NHL game | January 8, 2009 |
| 100th NHL goal | January 8, 2009 |
| 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 |
| 1st NHL shutout | January 31, 2009 |
Phil Kessel | 200th NHL game | February 7, 2009 |
Byron Bitz | 1st NHL goal | February 7, 2009 |
| 500th NHL game | February 21, 2009 |
| 100th NHL win | February 26, 2009 |
Zdeno Chara | 100th NHL goal | February 28, 2009 |
Patrice Bergeron | 300th NHL game | April 2, 2009 |
| 1st NHL game | April 11, 2009 | |
The Bruins' 5–1 win against the Carolina Hurricanes, on February 17, 2009, was the 200th NHL winning game coached, for current Bruins coach Claude Julien.
The Bruins' 5–4 overtime win against the Montreal Canadiens, on April 9, 2009, was the 400th NHL game coached, for current Bruins coach Claude Julien.
Playoff milestones |
Player | Milestone | Reached |
| 150th playoff game 50th playoff goal | May 12, 2009 |
Byron Bitz | 1st playoff goal | May 14, 2009 | |
Awards
Player | Award | Notes |
---|
| Jack Adams Award[53] | Awarded to the coach adjudged to have contributed the most to his team's success. |
| | Awarded to the defenseman who demonstrates the greatest all-round ability in the position. |
| | Awarded to the goaltender who is adjudged to be the best at this position. |
| William M. Jennings Trophy[54] | Awarded to the goalkeeper(s) playing for the team that conceded the fewest goals. |
| Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy nominee[55] | Nominated by the Writers' Association for league-wide recognition. |
Zdeno Chara Tim Thomas | NHL First All-Star Team[56] | Voted by representatives of the Professional Hockey Writers' Association. |
| NHL.com Fans' Choice Award[57] | Hit of the Season - as voted on by users at NHL.com. | |
On April 4, prior to the game against the New York Rangers, the team announced its award winners for the season.[58]
Player | Award | Notes |
---|
| NESN Seventh Player Award | Awarded to the player who exceeded the expectations of Bruins fans during the season. |
| Eddie Shore Award | Awarded to the player who exhibits exceptional hustle and determination. |
| | Awarded by the Boston Chapter of the PHWA, for outstanding performance during home games. |
| John P. Bucyk Award | Awarded to the Bruin with the greatest off-ice charitable contributions. |
| Three Star Awards | Awarded to the top performers at home over the course of the season. | |
Transactions
- Trades
- Free agents
- Claimed from waivers
Player | Former team | Date claimed off waivers | |
---|
Draft picks
Boston's picks at the 2008 NHL Entry Draft in Ottawa, Ontario.
Affiliates
- American Hockey League – Providence Bruins (standings)Johnny Boychuk was selected as a starter for Team Canada in the 2009 AHL All Star Classic. Martins Karsums 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.[59]
Notes and References
- Web site: Chiarelli & Bruins Happy to Reel In Ryder . NHL.com . 2008-07-02 . https://web.archive.org/web/20080803060536/http://bruins.nhl.com/team/app?articleid=367521&page=NewsPage&service=page . 2008-08-03 . dead .
- Web site: Boston Bruins Sign Forward Blake Wheeler. NHL.com . 2008-07-01. https://web.archive.org/web/20080704094859/http://bruins.nhl.com/team/app/?service=page&page=NewsPage&articleid=367312. 4 July 2008 . dead.
- News: Bruins put in the call for veteran Yelle . Boston.com . 2008-09-04 . 2008-10-21 . https://web.archive.org/web/20091207101232/http://www.boston.com/sports/hockey/bruins/articles/2008/09/04/bruins_put_in_the_call_for_veteran_forward_yelle/ . 2009-12-07 . live . Dupont . Kevin Paul .
- Web site: Bruins 5, Avalanche 4 . 2008-10-10 . 2008-10-09 . NHL.com . https://web.archive.org/web/20090318174022/http://www.nhl.com/ice/recap.htm?id=2008020006 . 2009-03-18 . live .
- Web site: Bruins 3, Wild 4. 2008-10-12. 2008-10-11. NHL.com.
- Web site: Bruins 3, Canadiens 4, SO. 2008-10-16. 2008-10-15. NHL.com.
- Web site: Bruins 1, Penguins 2, SO. 2008-10-21. 2008-10-20. NHL.com.
- Web site: Bruins 5, Thrashers 4. 2008-10-26. 2008-10-25. NHL.com.
- Web site: Bruins Announce Change in Game Format . 2008-10-26. 2008-10-25. Bruins.com. https://web.archive.org/web/20081028160138/http://bruins.nhl.com/team/app?articleid=388604&page=NewsPage&service=page. 28 October 2008 . dead.
- Web site: Lucic's hat trick leads Bruins past Thrashers. 2008-10-25. 2008-10-25. National Hockey League.
- Web site: Player Card: Tim Thomas. 2008-10-29. 2008-10-28. NHL.com.
- Web site: Bruins 2, Flames 3. 2008-10-31. 2008-10-30. NHL.com.
- Web site: 2008-2009 Regular Season Schedule/Results . 2008-10-31 . BostonBruins.com. 2008-10-30. https://web.archive.org/web/20081101113030/http://bruins.nhl.com/team/app?service=page&page=SubseasonSchedule. 1 November 2008 . dead.
- Web site: Bruins 5, Flames 1. 2008-11-02. 2008-11-01. NHL.com.
- Web site: Enough Was Enough. 2008-11-03. 2008-11-02. BostonBruins.com. https://web.archive.org/web/20081107143948/http://bruins.nhl.com/team/app/?service=page&page=NewsPage&articleid=390076. 2008-11-07. dead.
- Web site: Bruins 5, Leafs 2. 2008-11-07. 2008-11-06. NHL.com.
- Web site: Bruins 7, Sabres 4. 2008-11-20. 2008-11-19. NHL.com.
- Web site: Bruins 8, Leafs 5 . 2008-12-19 . 2008-12-18 . NHL.com . https://web.archive.org/web/20100209143611/http://www.nhl.com/ice/recap.htm?id=2008020460 . 2010-02-09 . live .
- Web site: 2008-2009 Regular Season Schedule/Results . 2008-12-01 . BostonBruins.com. 2008-11-30. https://web.archive.org/web/20081204025052/http://bruins.nhl.com/team/app?service=page&page=SubseasonSchedule. 4 December 2008 . dead.
- Web site: 2008-2009 Regular Season Schedule/Results . 2009-01-01 . BostonBruins.com. 2008-12-31. https://web.archive.org/web/20090103080217/http://bruins.nhl.com/team/app?service=page&page=SubseasonSchedule. 3 January 2009 . dead.
- Web site: Players: Philip Kessel . 2009-04-21 . 2009-04-21 . NHL.com . https://web.archive.org/web/20090925093523/http://www.nhl.com/ice/player.htm?id=8473548&view=notes . 2009-09-25 . live .
- Web site: Bruins 4, Hurricanes 2. 2008-12-21. 2008-12-20. NHL.com.
- Web site: Boston Bruins Statement Regarding Patrice Bergeron . 2008-12-22 . BostonBruins.com . 2008-12-21 . https://web.archive.org/web/20090212144232/http://bruins.nhl.com/team/app/?service=page&page=NewsPage&articleid=399474 . 2009-02-12 . dead .
- Web site: Bruins 4, Flames 2. 2009-01-02. 2009-01-02. NHL.com.
- Web site: A View from the Top. Boston is NHL's Best. 2009-01-03. BostonBruins.com. 2009-01-02. https://web.archive.org/web/20090107012040/http://bruins.nhl.com/team/app/?service=page&page=NewsPage&articleid=401489. 2009-01-07. dead.
- Web site: Boston Bruins Make Five Transactions. 2009-01-13. BostonBruins.com. 2009-01-12. https://web.archive.org/web/20090113121416/http://bruins.nhl.com/team/app/?service=page&page=NewsPage&articleid=403791. 2009-01-13. dead.
- Web site: Kessel Will Play Against Devils. 2009-01-30. BostonBruins.com. 2009-01-29. https://web.archive.org/web/20090131135312/http://bruins.nhl.com/team/app/?service=page&page=NewsPage&articleid=406774. 2009-01-31. dead.
- Web site: Bruins 8, Maple Leafs 5 . 2008-12-18 . 2008-12-18 . NHL.com . https://web.archive.org/web/20100209143611/http://www.nhl.com/ice/recap.htm?id=2008020460 . 2010-02-09 . live .
- Web site: Bruins forward Sturm out for season. 2009-01-13. 2009-01-13. NHL.com.
- Web site: Bruins 3, Capitals 2, OT. 2009-01-28. 2009-01-27. NHL.com.
- Web site: Tuukka Was Up to the Task. 2009-02-02. BostonBruins.com. 2009-01-31. https://web.archive.org/web/20090205093622/http://bruins.nhl.com/team/app/?service=page&page=NewsPage&articleid=407101. 2009-02-05. dead.
- Web site: Chara, Savard and Thomas are All-Stars. 2009-01-09. BostonBruins.com. 2009-01-08. https://web.archive.org/web/20090109154806/http://bruins.nhl.com/team/app/?service=page&page=NewsPage&articleid=402855. 2009-01-09. dead.
- Web site: Julien to Serve as Eastern Conference Coach. 2009-01-11. BostonBruins.com. 2009-01-10. https://web.archive.org/web/20090111162621/http://bruins.nhl.com/team/app/?service=page&page=NewsPage&articleid=403361. 2009-01-11. dead.
- Web site: Wheeler Carries Freshmen to Victory. 2009-01-26. BostonBruins.com. 2009-01-25. https://web.archive.org/web/20090130063211/http://bruins.nhl.com/team/app/?service=page&page=NewsPage&articleid=406169. 2009-01-30. dead.
- Web site: Chara Breaks Hardest Shot Record. 2009-01-26. BostonBruins.com. 2009-01-25. https://web.archive.org/web/20090131070350/http://bruins.nhl.com/team/app/?service=page&page=NewsPage&articleid=406183. 2009-01-31. dead.
- Web site: Eastern All-Stars 12, Western All-Stars 11 (SO). 2009-01-26. BostonBruins.com. 2009-01-25. https://web.archive.org/web/20090129235122/http://bruins.nhl.com/team/app/?service=page&page=NewsPage&articleid=406250. 2009-01-29. dead.
- Web site: B's Acquire Montador for Nokelainen . 2009-03-05 . BostonBruins.com . 2009-03-04 . https://web.archive.org/web/20090309003723/http://bruins.nhl.com/team/app/?service=page&page=NewsPage&articleid=412190 . 2009-03-09 . dead .
- Web site: B's Acquire Recchi for Lashoff, Karsums. 2009-03-05. BostonBruins.com. 2009-03-04. https://web.archive.org/web/20090309003429/http://bruins.nhl.com/team/app/?service=page&page=NewsPage&articleid=412276. 2009-03-09. dead.
- Web site: Bruins 5, Black Hawks 3 . 2009-03-08 . 2009-03-07 . NHL.com . https://web.archive.org/web/20090310061822/http://www.nhl.com/ice/recap.htm?id=2008020969 . 2009-03-10 . live .
- Web site: Bruins 4, Devils 1 . 2009-03-22 . 2009-03-22 . NHL.com . https://web.archive.org/web/20090325052641/http://www.nhl.com/ice/recap.htm?id=2008021078 . 2009-03-25 . live .
- Web site: Bruins 2, Senators 1 . 2009-04-02 . 2009-04-02 . NHL.com . https://web.archive.org/web/20090406014306/http://www.nhl.com/ice/recap.htm?id=2008021150 . 2009-04-06 . live .
- Web site: Krejci Wins NESN's Seventh Player Award . 2009-04-02 . 2009-04-02 . BostonBruins.com . https://archive.today/20090611035512/http://bruins.nhl.com/team/app/?service=page&page=NewsPage&articleid=416404 . 2009-06-11 . dead .
- Web site: 2008-09 NHL Summary.
- Web site: 2008-09 NHL Schedule and Results.
- Web site: Bruins clinch top spot in East by beating Rangers . 2009-04-04 . 2009-04-04 . NHL.com . https://web.archive.org/web/20090408054305/http://www.nhl.com/ice/news.htm?id=416685 . 2009-04-08 . live .
- Web site: Hnidy steps in for Hunwick. 2009-04-19. 2009-04-19. NHL.com.
- Web site: Bruins' Hunwick has surgery for ruptured spleen . 2009-04-18. 2009-04-18. NHL.com.
- Web site: Bruins' Lucic suspended for one game. 2009-04-19. 2009-04-19. NHL.com.
- Web site: 2008-2009 Regular Season . 2009-04-12 . Stats. BostonBruins.com. https://web.archive.org/web/20090227054233/http://bruins.nhl.com/team/app?service=page&page=Stats. 27 February 2009 . dead.
- Web site: 2008-2009 Playoffs . 2009-05-12 . Stats . BostonBruins.com . https://archive.today/20090611035611/http://bruins.nhl.com/team/app?gameType=3&page=Stats&season=20082009&service=page . 2009-06-11 . dead .
- Web site: Team Stats 2008-2009 Regular Season . 2009-04-22 . NHL.com.
- Web site: Team Stats 2008-2009 Playoffs . 2009-05-12 . NHL.com . https://web.archive.org/web/20121010075801/http://www.nhl.com/ice/teamstats.htm?fetchKey=20093BOSAAAAll&viewName=plusMinusTeam&sort=plusMinus . 2012-10-10 . live .
- Web site: NHL Awards Show . 2009-06-18 . NHL.com . https://web.archive.org/web/20090622062603/http://www.nhl.com/ice/news.htm?id=426026 . 2009-06-22 . live .
- Web site: Thomas & Fernandez Win Jennings Trophy . Bruins.com . 2009-04-12 . https://web.archive.org/web/20090416022330/http://bruins.nhl.com/team/app/?service=page&page=NewsPage&articleid=418003 . 2009-04-16 . dead . 2009-05-11 .
- Web site: Alfredsson, Bergeron, Brisebois, Numminen, White are Masterton nominees . NHL.com . 2009-03-31 . 5 April 2009 . https://web.archive.org/web/20090404084705/http://www.nhl.com/ice/news.htm?id=416040 . 4 April 2009 . live .
- Web site: NHL announces 2008-09 All-Star teams . NHL.com . 2009-06-18 . 19 June 2009 . https://web.archive.org/web/20090620193749/http://www.nhl.com/ice/news.htm?id=426040 . 20 June 2009 . live .
- Web site: Oshie, Lucic, MacDonald snag Fans' Choice Awards . NHL.com . 2009-04-10 . https://web.archive.org/web/20090414040941/http://www.nhl.com/ice/news.htm?id=417597 . 2009-04-14 . live . 2009-05-11 .
- Web site: B's Announce Award Winners . Bruins.com . 2009-04-04 . 2009-04-04 . https://web.archive.org/web/20090408075247/http://bruins.nhl.com/team/app/?service=page&page=NewsPage&articleid=416682 . 2009-04-08 . dead .
- Web site: Game Summary ASG-2009 . American Hockey League . January 26, 2009 . January 27, 2009 . https://web.archive.org/web/20090201020714/http://stats.theahl.com/stats/game-summary.php?game_id=1005945 . February 1, 2009 . dead . mdy-all .