The 2009–10 Montreal Canadiens season was the team's 101st season of play and 93rd in the

National Hockey League The National Hockey League (NHL; , ''LNH'') is a professional ice hockey league in North America composed of 32 teams25 in the United States and 7 in Canada. The NHL is one of the major professional sports leagues in the United States and Cana ...

(NHL). This season marked the 100th anniversary of the organization's founding in 1909. Coinciding with this, the Montreal Canadiens hosted the 2009 NHL All-Star Game at the

Bell Centre Bell Centre (French: ''Centre Bell)'', formerly known as Molson Centre, is a multi-purpose arena located in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. Opened on March 16, 1996, it is the home arena of the Montreal Canadiens of the National Hockey League (NHL), ...

on January 25, 2009 as well as the 2009 NHL entry draft that June leading up to the

centennial A centennial, or centenary in British English, is a 100th anniversary or otherwise relates to a century. Notable events Notable centennial events at a national or world-level include: * Centennial Exhibition, 1876, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. ...

anniversary of the franchise on December 4, 2009.

Season events

Off-season

The Canadiens announced Jacques Martin as their new head coach to replace

Guy Carbonneau Joseph Harry Guy Carbonneau (born March 18, 1960) is a Canadian former professional ice hockey player, coach and executive in the National Hockey League. He was also the president of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League's Chicoutimi Saguenéen ...

. Martin, the former coach and general manager of the

Florida Panthers The Florida Panthers are a professional ice hockey team based in the Miami metropolitan area. The Panthers compete in the National Hockey League (NHL) as a member of the Atlantic Division in the Eastern Conference. The team initially played it ...

, and former coach of the

Ottawa Senators The Ottawa Senators (), officially the Ottawa Senators Hockey Club and colloquially known as the Sens, are a professional ice hockey team based in Ottawa. The Senators compete in the National Hockey League (NHL) as a member of the Atlantic Di ...

and

St. Louis Blues The St. Louis Blues are a professional ice hockey team based in St. Louis. The Blues compete in the National Hockey League (NHL) as a member of the Central Division (NHL), Central Division in the Western Conference (NHL), Western Conference. Th ...

, is known for his defence-first style. On June 20, the Canadiens announced that owner George Gillett had reached an agreement to sell his 80% share of the team, the

and the Gillett concert promotion company to Geoffrey, Justin and Andrew Molson. This represents the third time that the hockey club will be owned by the

Molson family The Molson family of Montreal, Quebec, Canada, was founded by John Molson, who immigrated to Canada in 1782 from his home in Lincolnshire, England. They are considered to be one of Canada's most prominent business families with a combined net w ...

, which owned it from 1957 to 1971 and from 1978 to 2001. The purchase price was not disclosed but was estimated at between $506 and 537 million. The deal was approved by the NHL board of governors on December 1. At the Entry Draft, this year held in Montreal at the Bell Centre, the Canadiens made Louis Leblanc their first-round pick. The pick was notable as it was the Canadiens' first first-round pick of a

francophone The Francophonie or Francophone world is the whole body of people and organisations around the world who use the French language regularly for private or public purposes. The term was coined by Onésime Reclus in 1880 and became important a ...

since the team picked

Eric Chouinard Eric Guy Chouinard (born July 8, 1980) is an American-born Canadian Canadians () are people identified with the country of Canada. This connection may be residential, legal, historical or cultural. For most Canadians, many (or all) of th ...

in the 1998 Entry Draft. Leblanc was born in the Montreal suburb of Kirkland. General manager Bob Gainey pursued a policy of change for the lineup. Prior to free agency, he traded for top centre

Scott Gomez Scott Carlos Gomez (born December 23, 1979) is an American professional ice hockey coach and former player. He was the assistant coach for the New York Islanders of the National Hockey League (NHL). Gomez had previously played in the NHL with t ...

in a seven-player deal from the

New York Rangers The New York Rangers are a professional ice hockey team based in New York City. The Rangers compete in the National Hockey League (NHL) as a member of the Metropolitan Division in the Eastern Conference (NHL), Eastern Conference. The team plays ...

. In free agency, the Canadiens signed Gomez's former New Jersey linemate

Brian Gionta Brian Joseph Gionta (born January 18, 1979) is an American former professional ice hockey player who played 16 seasons in the National Hockey League (NHL). Gionta began his NHL career in 2001 with the New Jersey Devils and served as captain fo ...

, high-scoring

Calgary Flames The Calgary Flames are a professional ice hockey team based in Calgary. The Flames compete in the National Hockey League (NHL) as a member of the Pacific Division (NHL), Pacific Division in the Western Conference (NHL), Western Conference. The ...

forward

Michael Cammalleri Michael Anthony Cammalleri (born June 8, 1982) is a Canadian former professional ice hockey player who played 15 seasons in the National Hockey League (NHL) for five different teams. He was selected in the second round, 49th overall, by the Los ...

, checking line winger Travis Moen, and three defencemen:

Hal Gill Harold Priestley Gill III (born April 6, 1975) is an Americans, American former professional ice hockey defenceman, defenseman who played 16 National Hockey League, NHL seasons with six different teams, winning the Stanley Cup with the Pittsburg ...

from the

Pittsburgh Penguins The Pittsburgh Penguins (colloquially known as the Pens) are a professional ice hockey team based in Pittsburgh. The Penguins compete in the National Hockey League (NHL) as a member of the Metropolitan Division in the Eastern Conference (NHL), E ...

, Jaroslav Spacek from the

Buffalo Sabres The Buffalo Sabres are a professional ice hockey team based in Buffalo, New York. The Sabres compete in the National Hockey League (NHL) as a member of the Atlantic Division (NHL), Atlantic Division in the Eastern Conference (NHL), Eastern Con ...

, and

Paul Mara Paul Richard Mara (born September 7, 1979) is an American former professional ice hockey defenceman, former head coach of the Boston Pride in the PHF (formerly NWHL), and current Assistant Coach of the Hartford WolfPack in the AHL. Additionally ...

from the

. Captain

Saku Koivu Saku Antero Koivu (; born November 23, 1974) is a Finnish former professional ice hockey player who played in the National Hockey League (NHL). He began his NHL career with the Montreal Canadiens in 1995–96 after three seasons with TPS of the ...

was not offered a contract and instead signed with the

Anaheim Ducks The Anaheim Ducks are a professional ice hockey team based in Anaheim, California. The Ducks compete in the National Hockey League (NHL) as a member of the Pacific Division (NHL), Pacific Division in the Western Conference (NHL), Western Confere ...

Alexei Kovalev Alexei Vyacheslavovich Kovalev ( rus, Алексей Вячеславович Ковалёв, , ɐlʲɪkˈsʲej vʲɪtɕɪˈslavəvʲɪtɕ kəvɐˈlʲɵf; born February 24, 1973) is a Russian professional ice hockey coach, executive and former pr ...

turned down a contract and signed with the

. Mike Komisarek signed with the

Toronto Maple Leafs The Toronto Maple Leafs (officially the Toronto Maple Leaf Hockey Club and often referred to as the Leafs) are a professional ice hockey team based in Toronto. The Maple Leafs compete in the National Hockey League (NHL) as a member of the A ...

and Tom Kostopoulos signed with the

Carolina Hurricanes The Carolina Hurricanes (colloquially known as the Canes) are a professional ice hockey team based in Raleigh, North Carolina. The Hurricanes compete in the National Hockey League (NHL) as a member of the Metropolitan Division in the Eastern Con ...

Regular season

For the first time in franchise history, the Canadiens enter the regular season without a captain. On October 6, 2009, the Canadiens signed defenceman Marc-Andre Bergeron due to early injuries to Andrei Markov. On December 28, 2009, forward Michael Cammalleri scored the 20,000th goal in franchise history in a game against the Ottawa Senators. On February 8, general manager Bob Gainey announced his retirement as general manager of the club, staying on as advisor to the club. Assistant general manager Pierre Gauthier became the interim general manager. Gauthier and head coach Jacques Martin held the same positions with the

in the late 1990s. The Canadiens finished the regular season with the fewest power-play opportunities of all 30 teams with 261.

Playoffs

In the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals, the Canadiens faced the winners of the 2009–10

Presidents' Trophy The Presidents' Trophy () is an award presented by the National Hockey League (NHL) to the team that finishes with the most points (i.e., best overall record) during the regular season. If two teams are tied for the most points, then the Trophy ...

, the

Washington Capitals The Washington Capitals (colloquially known as the Caps) are a professional ice hockey team based in Washington, D.C. The Capitals compete in the National Hockey League (NHL) as a member of the Metropolitan Division in the Eastern Conference (NH ...

, who had led the league with the most goals scored during the regular season (318) and the most points (121). Despite trailing 3–1 after the first four games, the Canadiens won the final three, holding the Capitals to three goals. Montreal went 3–1 on the road in the series. In the Eastern Conference Semi-finals, the Canadiens faced the defending

Stanley Cup The Stanley Cup () is the championship trophy awarded annually to the National Hockey League (NHL) playoff champion. It is the oldest existing trophy to be awarded to a professional sports franchise in North America, and the International Ic ...

champion

. Once again, the Canadiens found themselves trailing, this time 3–2. After edging the Penguins 4–3 at home in Game 6, the Canadiens jumped out to a 4–0 lead in Game 7 on the road and would go on to win by a final score of 5–2, thereby clinching the series 4–3. In the Eastern Conference Final against the

Philadelphia Flyers The Philadelphia Flyers are a professional ice hockey team based in Philadelphia. The Flyers compete in the National Hockey League (NHL) as a member of the Metropolitan Division in the Eastern Conference (NHL), Eastern Conference. The team play ...

, the Canadiens were shut out by scores of 6–0 and 3–0 in the first two games. They came back and won Game 3 at home by a score of 5–1. Game 4 was scoreless until 5:41 of the second period, when Flyers forward

Claude Giroux Claude Giroux (; born January 12, 1988) is a Canadian professional ice hockey forward and alternate captain for the Ottawa Senators of the National Hockey League (NHL). He has previously played for the Philadelphia Flyers and the Florida Pant ...

scored his seventh of the playoffs on an assist from

Kimmo Timonen Kimmo Samuel Timonen (born 18 March 1975) is a Finnish former professional ice hockey defenseman who played 16 seasons in the National Hockey League (NHL) for the Nashville Predators, Philadelphia Flyers, and Chicago Blackhawks. Timonen had pla ...

Ville Leino Ville Hans Viking Leino (born 6 October 1983) is a Finnish former professional ice hockey Forward (ice hockey), forward. He has played in the National Hockey League (NHL) for the Detroit Red Wings, Philadelphia Flyers and Buffalo Sabres. Playin ...

would score at 14:53 of the same period and Giroux would seal the win with an empty-net goal with 1:13 remaining in the game. The 3–0 Flyers' win game them a 3–1 lead in the series. The Canadiens would open the scoring in Game 5 just 59 seconds into the game on

's ninth of the playoffs, but the Flyers took a 3–1 lead on a short-handed goal by Flyers' captain Mike Richards at 4:25 of the first period and even-strength goals 84 seconds apart by

Arron Asham Arron Miles Asham (born April 13, 1978) is a Canadian former professional ice hockey player who played 15 seasons in the National Hockey League (NHL). Over his 15 seasons, he played for 6 different teams. Playing career Asham was drafted 71st o ...

and

Jeff Carter Jeffrey J. Carter (born January 1, 1985) is a Canadian former professional ice hockey centre who played 19 seasons in the National Hockey League (NHL) for the Philadelphia Flyers, Columbus Blue Jackets, Los Angeles Kings, and Pittsburgh Penguin ...

in the second period. The Canadiens cut the Flyer's lead to one on

's second of the playoffs (assisted by

P. K. Subban Pernell-Karl Sylvester Subban ( ; born May 13, 1989) is a Canadian former professional ice hockey defenceman. Between 2009 and 2022, he played 13 seasons in the National Hockey League (NHL) with the Montreal Canadiens, Nashville Predators, and ...

and Brian Gionta) at 6:53 of the third period, but Jeff Carter would seal the 4–2 Flyers' win with an empty-net goal at 19:37 and give Philadelphia a 4–1 series win. The Canadiens' playoff performance was the franchise's best in 17 years, as it was the first time they reached the Conference Finals since 1993. However, with this loss, the Canadiens failed to become champions during the 2000s. Having won at least one Stanley Cup in each decade since the 1910s, the 2000s was their first decade without a Cup, thus ending a nine-decade streak of at least one championship per decade.

Standings

Divisional standings

Conference standings

Schedule and results

Preseason

, - style="background:#cfc;" , 1 , , September 17 , ,

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, , 21,273 , , 1–0–0 , , , - style="background:#cfc;" , 2 , , September 18 , ,

, , 1–2 , , Bell Centre , , 21,273 , , 2–0–0 , , , - style="background:#fbb;" , 3 , , September 19 , , @ Ottawa Senators , , 6–1 , ,

Scotiabank Place Canadian Tire Centre () is a multi-purpose arena in the suburb of Kanata in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. It opened in January 1996 as the Palladium and was also known as Corel Centre () from 1996 to 2006 and Scotiabank Place () from 2006 to 2013. ...

, , 17,931 , , 2–1–0 , , , - style="background:#fbb;" , 4 , , September 20 , , @

Boston Bruins The Boston Bruins are a professional ice hockey team based in Boston. The Bruins compete in the National Hockey League (NHL) as a member of the Atlantic Division (NHL), Atlantic Division in the Eastern Conference (NHL), Eastern Conference. The t ...

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Colisée Pepsi Colisée may refer to: Canada * Colisée de Québec, also known as Colisée Pepsi, Quebec City * Colisée Cardin, Sorel-Tracy * Colisée Desjardins, Victoriaville * Colisée Financière Sun Life, Rimouski * Colisée Jean Béliveau, Longueuil * ...

Quebec City Quebec City is the capital city of the Provinces and territories of Canada, Canadian province of Quebec. As of July 2021, the city had a population of 549,459, and the Census Metropolitan Area (including surrounding communities) had a populati ...

, , 15,399 , , 2–2–0 , , , - style="background:#cfc;" , 5 , , September 21 , ,

, , 3–4 , , Bell Centre , , 21,273 , , 3–2–0 , , , - style="background: #e1e1e1;" , 6 , , September 24 , , Boston Bruins , , 2–1 SO , , Bell Centre , , 21,273 , , 3–2–1 , , , - style="background:#cfc;" , 7 , , September 26, ,

, , 2–3 , , Bell Centre , , 21,273 , , 4–2–1 , , , -

Regular season

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, , 4–3 OT , ,

Air Canada Centre Scotiabank Arena (SBA), formerly known as Air Canada Centre (ACC), is a multi-purposed arena located on Bay Street in downtown Toronto, Ontario, Canada. It is the home of the Toronto Raptors of the National Basketball Association (NBA) and t ...

, , 19,617 , , 1–0–0 , , 2 , , , - style="background:#cfc;" , 2 , , October 3 , , @ Buffalo Sabres , , 2–1 OT , ,

HSBC Arena HSBC Arena may refer to: * Jeunesse Arena in Rio de Janeiro, known as HSBC Arena from 2008 to 2017 * KeyBank Center KeyBank Center is a multipurpose indoor arena located in Buffalo, New York, United States. Originally known as Marine Midlan ...

, , 18,690 , , 2–0–0 , , 4 , , , - style="background:#fbb;" , 3 , , October 6 , , @

, , 3–4 , , Pengrowth Saddledome , , 19,289 , , 2–1–0 , , 4 , , , - style="background:#fbb;" , 4 , , October 7 , , @

Vancouver Canucks The Vancouver Canucks are a professional ice hockey team based in Vancouver. The Canucks compete in the National Hockey League (NHL) as a member of the Pacific Division (NHL), Pacific Division in the Western Conference (NHL), Western Conferenc ...

, , 1–7 , ,

General Motors Place Rogers Arena, (formerly General Motors Place), is a multi-purpose arena at 800 Griffiths Way in the downtown area of Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. Opened in 1995, the arena was known as General Motors Place (GM Place) from its opening u ...

, , 18,810 , , 2–2–0 , , 4 , , , - style="background:#fbb;" , 5 , , October 10 , , @

Edmonton Oilers The Edmonton Oilers are a professional ice hockey team based in Edmonton. The Oilers compete in the National Hockey League (NHL) as a member of the Pacific Division (NHL), Pacific Division in the Western Conference (NHL), Western Conference. Th ...

, , 2–3 , ,

Rexall Place Northlands Coliseum is a defunct indoor arena in Edmonton, Alberta. It was used for sports events and concerts, and was home to the Edmonton Oilers of the World Hockey Association (WHA) and National Hockey League (NHL), and the Edmonton Oil Kin ...

, , 16,839 , , 2–3–0 , , 4 , , , - style="background:#fbb;" , 6 , , October 15 , ,

Colorado Avalanche The Colorado Avalanche (colloquially known as the Avs) are a professional ice hockey team based in Denver. The Avalanche compete in the National Hockey League (NHL) as a member of the Central Division (NHL), Central Division in the Western Con ...

, , 2–3 , , Bell Centre , , 21,273 , , 2–4–0 , , 4 , , , - style="background:#fbb;" , 7 , , October 17 , , Ottawa Senators , , 1–3 , , Bell Centre , , 21,273 , , 2–5–0 , , 4 , , , - style="background:#cfc;" , 8 , , October 20 , ,

Atlanta Thrashers The Atlanta Thrashers were a professional ice hockey team based in Atlanta. Atlanta was granted a franchise in the National Hockey League (NHL) on June 25, 1997, and became the League's 28th franchise when it began play in the 1999–2000 NHL sea ...

, , 2–1 SO , , Bell Centre , , 21,273 , , 3–5–0 , , 6 , , , - style="background:#cfc;" , 9 , , October 22 , ,

New York Islanders The New York Islanders (colloquially known as the Isles) are a professional ice hockey team based in Elmont, New York. The Islanders compete in the National Hockey League (NHL) as a member of the Metropolitan Division in the Eastern Conference (N ...

, , 5–1 , , Bell Centre , , 21,273 , , 4–5–0 , , 8 , , , - style="background:#cfc;" , 10 , , October 24 , ,

, , 5–4 OT , , Bell Centre , , 21,273 , , 5–5–0 , , 10 , , , - style="background:#cfc;" , 11 , , October 26 , , New York Islanders , , 3–2 OT , , Bell Centre , , 21,273 , , 6–5–0 , , 12 , , , - style="background:#fbb;" , 12 , , October 28 , , @ Pittsburgh Penguins , , 1–6 , ,

Mellon Arena The Civic Arena, formerly the Civic Auditorium and later Mellon Arena, was an arena located in Downtown Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The Civic Arena primarily served as the home to the Pittsburgh Penguins, the city's National Hockey League (NHL) ...

, , 16,965 , , 6–6–0 , , 12 , , , - style="background:#fbb;" , 13 , , October 30 , , @

Chicago Blackhawks The Chicago Blackhawks (spelled Black Hawks until 1986, and known colloquially as the Hawks) are a professional ice hockey team based in Chicago. The Blackhawks compete in the National Hockey League (NHL) as a member of the Central Division (N ...

, , 2–3 , ,

United Center The United Center is an indoor arena on the Near West Side, Chicago, Near West Side of Chicago, Illinois. It is home to the Chicago Bulls of the National Basketball Association (NBA) and the Chicago Blackhawks of the National Hockey League (NHL) ...

, , 20,807 , , 6–7–0 , , 12 , , , - style="background:#cfc;" , 14 , , October 31 , , Toronto Maple Leafs , , 5–4 SO , , Bell Centre , , 21,273 , , 7–7–0 , , 14 , , , - , - style="background:#fbb;" , 15 , , November 3 , , Atlanta Thrashers , , 5–4 , , Bell Centre , , 21,273 , , 7–8–0 , , 14 , , , - style="background:#cfc;" , 16 , , November 5 , , @ Boston Bruins , , 1–2 SO , ,

TD Garden TD Garden (named the FleetCenter from opening until 2005 and TD Banknorth Garden until 2009) is a multi-purpose arena in Boston. It is located directly above the MBTA's North Station, and it replaced the original Boston Garden upon opening i ...

, , 17,565 , , 8–8–0 , , 16 , , , - style="background:#fbb;" , 17 , , November 7 , ,

Tampa Bay Lightning The Tampa Bay Lightning (colloquially known as the Bolts) are a professional ice hockey team based in Tampa, Florida. The Lightning compete in the National Hockey League (NHL) as a member of the Atlantic Division (NHL), Atlantic Division in the ...

, , 3–1 , , Bell Centre , , 21,273 , , 8–9–0 , , 16 , , , - style="background:#fbb;" , 18 , , November 10 , , Calgary Flames , , 1–0 , , Bell Centre , , 21,273 , , 8–10–0 , , 16 , , , - style="background:#cfc;" , 19 , , November 12 , , @

Phoenix Coyotes The Arizona Coyotes are an inactive professional ice hockey team based in the Phoenix metropolitan area. They competed in the National Hockey League (NHL) as a member of the Central Division (NHL), Central Division (1996–1998, 2021–2024) and ...

, , 2–4 , , Jobing.com Arena , , 10,064 , , 9–10–0 , , 18 , , , - style="background:#fbb;" , 20 , , November 14 , , @

Nashville Predators The Nashville Predators (colloquially referred to as the Preds) are a professional ice hockey team based in Nashville, Tennessee. The Predators compete in the National Hockey League (NHL) as a member of the Central Division (NHL), Central Divisio ...

, , 2–0 , ,

Sommet Center Bridgestone Arena (originally Nashville Arena, and formerly Gaylord Entertainment Center and Sommet Center) is a multi-purpose indoor arena in downtown Nashville, Tennessee, United States. Completed in 1996, it is the home of the Nashville Predat ...

, , 15,604 , , 9–11–0 , , 18 , , , - style="background:#cfc;" , 21 , , November 17 , ,

, , 2–3 SO , , Bell Centre , , 21,273 , , 10–11–0 , , 20 , , , - style="background:#cfc;" , 22 , , November 20 , , @

, , 2–3 , , Verizon Center , , 18,277 , , 11–11–0 , , 22 , , , - style="background: #e1e1e1;" , 23 , , November 21 , ,

Detroit Red Wings The Detroit Red Wings (colloquially referred to as the Wings) are a professional ice hockey team based in Detroit. The Red Wings compete in the National Hockey League (NHL) as a member of the Atlantic Division (NHL), Atlantic Division in the East ...

, , 3–2 SO , , Bell Centre , , 21,273 , , 11–11–1 , , 23 , , , - style="background:#cfc;" , 24 , , November 24 , ,

Columbus Blue Jackets The Columbus Blue Jackets (often simply referred to as the Jackets) are a professional ice hockey team based in Columbus, Ohio. The Blue Jackets compete in the National Hockey League (NHL) as a member of the Metropolitan Division in the Eastern C ...

, , 3–5 , , Bell Centre , , 21,273 , , 12–11–1 , , 25 , , , - style="background:#fbb;" , 25 , , November 25 , , @ Pittsburgh Penguins , , 3–1 , , Mellon Arena , , 17,094 , , 12–12–1 , , 25 , , , - style="background: #e1e1e1;" , 26 , , November 28 , , Washington Capitals , , 4–3 SO , , Bell Centre , , 21,273 , , 12–12–2 , , 26 , , , - , - style="background:#fbb;" , 27 , , December 1 , , Toronto Maple Leafs , , 3–0 , , Bell Centre , , 21,273 , , 12–13–2 , , 26 , , , - style="background:#fbb;" , 28 , , December 3 , , @ Buffalo Sabres , , 6–2 , , HSBC Arena , , 18,690 , , 12–14–2 , , 26 , , , - style="background:#cfc;" , 29 , , December 4 , , Boston Bruins , , 1–5 , , Bell Centre , , 21,273 , , 13–14–2 , , 28 , , , - style="background:#cfc;" , 30 , , December 7 , ,

, , 1–3 , , Bell Centre , , 21,273 , , 14–14–2 , , 30 , , , - style="background:#cfc;" , 31 , , December 8 , , @ Ottawa Senators , , 1–4 , , Scotiabank Place , , 18,866 , , 15–14–2 , , 32 , , , - style="background:#fbb;" , 32 , , December 10 , , Pittsburgh Penguins , , 3–2 , , Bell Centre , , 21,273 , , 15–15–2 , , 32 , , , - style="background: #e1e1e1;" , 33 , , December 12 , , @ Atlanta Thrashers , , 3–4 OT , ,

Philips Arena State Farm Arena is a Multi-purpose stadium, multi-purpose arena located in Atlanta, Georgia. The arena serves as the home venue for the Atlanta Hawks of the National Basketball Association (NBA). It also served as home to the Atlanta Thrasher ...

, , 16,616 , , 15–15–3 , , 33 , , , - style="background:#fbb;" , 34 , , December 14 , , Buffalo Sabres , , 4–3 , , Bell Centre , , 21,273 , , 15–16–3 , , 33 , , , - style="background:#fbb;" , 35 , , December 16 , , @

New Jersey Devils The New Jersey Devils are a professional ice hockey team based in Newark, New Jersey. The Devils compete in the National Hockey League (NHL) as a member of the Metropolitan Division in the Eastern Conference (NHL), Eastern Conference. The club w ...

, , 2–1 , ,

Prudential Center Prudential Center is a multipurpose indoor arena in the central business district of Newark, New Jersey, United States. Opened in 2007, it is the home of the New Jersey Devils of the National Hockey League (NHL), the New York Sirens of the Pro ...

, , 12,178 , , 15–17–3 , , 33 , , , - style="background:#fbb;" , 36 , , December 17 , ,

Minnesota Wild The Minnesota Wild are a professional ice hockey team based in Saint Paul, Minnesota. The Wild compete in the National Hockey League (NHL) as a member of the Central Division (NHL), Central Division in the Western Conference (NHL), Western Confer ...

, , 3–1 , , Bell Centre , , 21,273 , , 15–18–3 , , 33 , , , - style="background:#cfc;" , 37 , , December 19 , , @ New York Islanders , , 0–3 , ,

Nassau Coliseum Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum (or simply the Nassau Coliseum) is a multi-purpose indoor arena in Uniondale, New York, on Long Island. The venue is situated approximately east of the eastern limits of the Borough (New York City), borough of Q ...

, , 7,842 , , 16–18–3 , , 35 , , , - style="background:#cfc;" , 38 , , December 21 , , @ Atlanta Thrashers , , 3–4 OT , , Philips Arena , , 15,075 , , 17–18–3 , , 37 , , , - style="background:#cfc;" , 39 , , December 23 , , @ Carolina Hurricanes , , 1–5 , ,

RBC Center RBC may refer to: Media and arts * Radio Beijing Corporation, a family of municipal radio stations in Beijing, China * RBC Ministries, now Our Daily Bread Ministries, a Christian media outlet in Grand Rapids, Michigan * RBC Radio, the former na ...

, , 14,820 , , 18–18–3 , , 39 , , , - style="background:#cfc;" , 40 , , December 26 , , @ Toronto Maple Leafs , , 2–3 OT , , Air Canada Centre , , 19,250 , , 19–18–3 , , 41 , , , - style="background:#fbb;" , 41 , , December 28 , , @ Ottawa Senators , , 4–2 , , Scotiabank Place , , 20,369 , , 19–19–3 , , 41 , , , - style="background:#cfc;" , 42 , , December 30 , , @ Tampa Bay Lightning , , 1–2 OT , , St. Pete Times Forum , , 18,441 , , 20–19–3 , , 43 , , , - style="background:#cfc;" , 43 , , December 31 , , @ Florida Panthers , , 4–5 , ,

BankAtlantic Center Amerant Bank Arena (previously known as the National Car Rental Center, Office Depot Center, BankAtlantic Center, BB&T Center, and FLA Live Arena) is an indoor arena in Sunrise, Florida, United States. It is the home venue for the Florida Panth ...

, , 19,851 , , 21–19–3 , , 45 , , , - , - style="background:#fbb;" , 44 , , January 3 , , Buffalo Sabres , , 1–0 , , Bell Centre , , 21,273 , , 21–20–3 , , 45 , , , - style="background:#fbb;" , 45 , , January 5 , , @ Washington Capitals , , 4–2 , , Verizon Center , , 18,277 , , 21–21–3 , , 45 , , , - style="background:#cfc;" , 46 , , January 7 , , Florida Panthers , , 0–2 , , Bell Centre , , 21,273 , , 22–21–3 , , 47 , , , - style="background: #e1e1e1;" , 47 , , January 9 , , New Jersey Devils , , 2–1 OT , , Bell Centre , , 21,273 , , 22–21–4 , , 48 , , , - style="background:#cfc;" , 48 , , January 14 , ,

Dallas Stars The Dallas Stars are a professional ice hockey team based in Dallas. The Stars compete in the National Hockey League (NHL) as a member of the Central Division (NHL), Central Division in the Western Conference (NHL), Western Conference. The Stars ...

, , 3–5 , , Bell Centre , , 21,273 , , 23–21–4 , , 50 , , , - style="background:#fbb;" , 49 , , January 16 , , Ottawa Senators , , 4–2 , , Bell Centre , , 21,273 , , 23–22–4 , , 50 , , , - style="background:#fbb;" , 50 , , January 17 , , @ New York Rangers , , 2–6 , ,

Madison Square Garden Madison Square Garden, colloquially known as the Garden or by its initials MSG, is a multi-purpose indoor arena in New York City. It is located in Midtown Manhattan between Seventh Avenue (Manhattan), Seventh and Eighth Avenue (Manhattan), Eig ...

, , 18,200 , , 23–23–4 , , 50 , , , - style="background: #e1e1e1;" , 51 , , January 20 , ,

, , 4–3 OT , , Bell Centre , , 21,273 , , 23–23–5 , , 51 , , , - style="background:#cfc;" , 52 , , January 22 , , @ New Jersey Devils , , 3–1 , , Prudential Center , , 17,625 , , 24–23–5 , , 53 , , , - style="background:#cfc;" , 53 , , January 23 , , New York Rangers , , 6–0 , , Bell Centre , , 21,273 , , 25–23–5 , , 55 , , , - style="background:#fbb;" , 54 , , January 26 , , @ Florida Panthers , , 1–2 , , BankAtlantic Center , , 17,104 , , 25–24–5 , , 55 , , , - style="background:#fbb;" , 55 , , January 27 , , @ Tampa Bay Lightning , , 0–3 , , St. Pete Times Forum , , 14,404 , , 25–25–5 , , 55 , , , - style="background: #e1e1e1;" , 56 , , January 30 , , @ Ottawa Senators , , 2–3 OT , , Scotiabank Place , , 20,500 , , 25–25–6 , , 56 , , , - , - style="background:#cfc;" , 57 , , February 2 , , Vancouver Canucks , , 2–3 , , Bell Centre , , 21,273 , , 26–25–6 , , 58 , , , - style="background:#cfc;" , 58 , , February 4 , , @ Boston Bruins , , 3–2 SO , , TD Garden , , 17,565 , , 27–25–6 , , 60 , , , - style="background:#cfc;" , 59 , , February 6 , , Pittsburgh Penguins , , 3–5 , , Bell Centre , , 21,273 , , 28–25–6 , , 62 , , , - style="background:#fbb;" , 60 , , February 7 , , Boston Bruins , , 3–0 , , Bell Centre , , 21,273 , , 28–26–6 , , 62 , , , - style="background:#cfc;" , 61 , , February 10 , , Washington Capitals , , 5–6 OT , , Bell Centre , , 21,273 , , 29–26–6 , , 64 , , , - style="background:#fbb;" , 62 , , February 12 , , @ Philadelphia Flyers , , 3–2 , ,

Wachovia Center Wells Fargo Center (to be renamed to Xfinity Mobile Arena effective September 1, 2025) is a multi-purpose indoor arena located in Philadelphia. It serves as the home of the Philadelphia Flyers of the National Hockey League (NHL), the Philadel ...

, , 19,803 , , 29–27–6 , , 64 , , , - style="background:#fbb;" , 63 , , February 13 , , Philadelphia Flyers , , 6–2 , , Bell Centre , , 21,273 , , 29–28–6 , , 64 , , , - , - style="background:#cfc;" , 64 , , March 2 , , @ Boston Bruins , , 1–4 , , TD Garden , , 17,565 , , 30–28–6 , , 66 , , , - style="background:#fbb;" , 65 , , March 4 , , @ San Jose Sharks , , 3–2 , ,

HP Pavilion HP Pavilion is a line of consumer-oriented personal computers originally produced by Hewlett-Packard and later by its successor, HP Inc. Introduced in 1995, HP has used the name for both desktops and laptops for home and home office use. Afte ...

, , 17,562 , , 30–29–6 , , 66 , , , - style="background:#cfc;" , 66 , , March 6 , , @ Los Angeles Kings , , 2–4 , ,

Staples Center Crypto.com Arena (originally and colloquially known as Staples Center) is a multi-purpose indoor arena in downtown Los Angeles. Opened on October 17, 1999, as Staples Center, it is located next to the Los Angeles Convention Center complex along F ...

, , 18,118 , , 31–29–6 , , 68 , , , - style="background:#cfc;" , 67 , , March 7 , , @ Anaheim Ducks , , 3–4 SO , ,

Honda Center Honda Center (formerly known as the Arrowhead Pond of Anaheim) is an indoor arena located in Anaheim, California. The arena is home to the Anaheim Ducks of the National Hockey League. Originally named the Anaheim Arena during construction, it w ...

, , 15,883 , , 32–29–6 , , 70 , , , - style="background:#cfc;" , 68 , , March 9 , , Tampa Bay Lightning , , 3–5 , , Bell Centre , , 21,273 , , 33–29–6 , , 72 , , , - style="background:#cfc;" , 69 , , March 11 , , Edmonton Oilers , , 4–5 SO , , Bell Centre , , 21,273 , , 34–29–6 , , 74 , , , - style="background:#cfc;" , 70 , , March 13 , , Boston Bruins , , 2–3 , , Bell Centre , , 21,273 , , 35–29–6 , , 76 , , , - style="background:#cfc;" , 71 , , March 16 , , @ New York Rangers , , 1–3 , , Madison Square Garden , , 18,200 , , 36–29–6 , , 78 , , , - style="background: #e1e1e1;" , 72 , , March 20 , , @ Toronto Maple Leafs , , 3–2 SO , , Air Canada Centre , , 19,538 , , 36–29–7 , , 79 , , , - style="background:#fbb;" , 73 , , March 22 , , Ottawa Senators , , 2–0 , , Bell Centre , , 21,273 , , 36–30–7 , , 79 , , , - style="background: #e1e1e1;" , 74 , , March 24 , , @ Buffalo Sabres , , 3–2 SO , , HSBC Arena , , 18,690 , , 36–30–8 , , 80 , , , - style="background:#cfc;" , 75 , , March 25 , , Florida Panthers , , 1–4 , , Bell Centre , , 21,273 , , 37–30–8 , , 82 , , , - style="background:#fbb;" , 76 , , March 27 , , New Jersey Devils , , 4–2 , , Bell Centre , , 21,273, , 37–31–8 , , 82 , , , - style="background:#fbb;" , 77 , , March 31 , , Carolina Hurricanes , , 1–2 , , Bell Centre , , 21,273 , , 37–32–8 , , 82 , , , - , - style="background:#cfc;" , 78 , , April 2 , , @ Philadelphia Flyers , , 0–1 , , Wachovia Center , , 19,801 , , 38–32–8 , , 84 , , , - style="background:#cfc;" , 79 , , April 3 , , Buffalo Sabres , , 0–3 , , Bell Centre , , 21,273 , , 39–32–8 , , 86 , , , - style="background: #e1e1e1;" , 80 , , April 6 , , @ New York Islanders , , 4–3 SO , , Nassau Coliseum , , 10,263 , , 39–32–9 , , 87 , , , - style="background:#fbb;" , 81 , , April 8 , , @ Carolina Hurricanes , , 5–2 , , RBC Center , , 18,680 , , 39–33–9 , , 87 , , , - style="background: #e1e1e1;" , 82 , , April 10 , , Toronto Maple Leafs , , 4–3 OT , , Bell Centre , , 21,273 , , 39–33–10 , , 88 , , , - , ''Legend'': , -
2009–10 schedule

Playoffs

Qualifying for the

2010 Stanley Cup playoffs The 2010 Stanley Cup playoffs of the National Hockey League (NHL) began on April 14, 2010, after the 2009–10 NHL regular season. The Finals ended on June 9, 2010, with the Chicago Blackhawks defeating the Philadelphia Flyers in six games to ...

as the eighth and final seed, the Canadiens were able to upset the first-seeded

during the first round, and then eliminated the defending

champion

before falling to the Eastern Conference champion

in five games. , - style="background:#cfc;" , 1 , , April 15 , ,

Montreal Canadiens The Montreal Canadiens (), officially ' ( Canadian Hockey Club) and colloquially known as the Habs, are a professional ice hockey team based in Montreal. The Canadiens compete in the National Hockey League (NHL) as a member of the Atlantic D ...

, , 3–2 , ,

, , OT , , Halak , , 18,377 , , Canadiens lead 1–0 , , , - style="background:#fbb;" , 2 , , April 17 , , Montreal Canadiens , , 5–6 , , Washington Capitals , , OT , , Halak , , 18,377 , , Series tied 1–1 , , , - style="background:#fbb;" , 3 , , April 19 , , Washington Capitals , , 5–1 , , Montreal Canadiens , , , , Halak , , 21,273 , , Capitals lead 2–1 , , , - style="background:#fbb;" , 4 , , April 21 , , Washington Capitals , , 6–3 , , Montreal Canadiens , , , ,

Price A price is the (usually not negative) quantity of payment or compensation expected, required, or given by one party to another in return for goods or services. In some situations, especially when the product is a service rather than a ph ...

, , 21,273 , , Capitals lead 3–1 , , , - style="background:#cfc;" , 5 , , April 23 , , Montreal Canadiens , , 2–1 , , Washington Capitals , , , , Halak , , 18,377 , , Capitals lead 3–2 , , , - style="background:#cfc;" , 6 , , April 26 , , Washington Capitals , , 1–4 , , Montreal Canadiens , , , , Halak , , 21,273 , , Series tied 3–3 , , , - style="background:#cfc;" , 7 , , April 28 , , Montreal Canadiens , , 2–1 , , Washington Capitals , , , , Halak , , 18,377 , , Canadiens win 4–3 , , , - , - style="background:#fbb;" , 1 , , April 30 , ,

, , 3–6 , ,

, , , , Halak , , 17,132 , , Penguins lead 1–0 , , , - style="background:#cfc;" , 2 , , May 2 , , Montreal Canadiens , , 3–1 , , Pittsburgh Penguins , , , , Halak , , 17,132 , , Series tied 1–1 , , , - style="background:#fbb;" , 3 , , May 4 , , Pittsburgh Penguins , , 2–0 , , Montreal Canadiens , , , , Halak , , 21,273 , , Penguins lead 2–1 , , , - style="background:#cfc;" , 4 , , May 6 , , Pittsburgh Penguins , , 2–3 , , Montreal Canadiens , , , , Halak , , 21,273 , , Series tied 2–2 , , , - style="background:#fbb;" , 5 , , May 8 , , Montreal Canadiens , , 1–2 , , Pittsburgh Penguins , , , , Halak , , 17,132 , , Penguins lead 3–2 , , , - style="background:#cfc;" , 6 , , May 10 , , Pittsburgh Penguins , , 3–4 , , Montreal Canadiens , , , , Halak , , 21,273 , , Series tied 3–3 , , , - style="background:#cfc;" , 7 , , May 12 , , Montreal Canadiens , , 5–2 , , Pittsburgh Penguins , , , , Halak , , 17,132 , , Canadiens win 4–3 , , , - , - style="background:#fcc;" , 1 , , May 16 , ,

, , 0–6 , ,

, , , , Halak , , 19,927 , , Flyers lead 1–0 , , , - style="background:#fcc;" , 2 , , May 18 , , Montreal Canadiens , , 0–3 , , Philadelphia Flyers , , , , Halak , , 19,907 , , Flyers lead 2–0 , , , - style="background:#cfc;" , 3 , , May 20 , , Philadelphia Flyers , , 1–5 , , Montreal Canadiens , , , , Halak , , 21,273 , , Flyers lead 2–1 , , , - style="background:#fcc;" , 4 , , May 22 , , Philadelphia Flyers , , 3–0 , , Montreal Canadiens , , , , Halak , , 21,273 , , Flyers lead 3–1 , , , - style="background:#fcc;" , 5 , , May 24 , , Montreal Canadiens , , 2–4 , , Philadelphia Flyers , , , , Halak , , 19,986 , , Flyers win 4–1 , , , - , ''Legend'':

Player statistics

Skaters

''Note: GP = Games played; G = Goals; A = Assists; Pts = Points; +/− = Plus/minus; PIM = Penalty minutes''

Goaltenders

''Note: GP = Games played; TOI = Time on ice (minutes); W = Wins; L = Losses; OT = Overtime losses; GA = Goals against; GAA= Goals against average; SA= Shots against; SV= Saves; Sv% = Save percentage; SO= Shutouts'' ^†Denotes player spent time with another team before joining Canadiens. Stats reflect time with Canadiens only.
^‡Traded mid-season. Stats reflect time with Canadiens only.

Suspensions/fines

Awards and records

Milestones

Awards

Transactions

The Canadiens were involved in the following transactions during the 2009–10 season.

Trades

Free agents acquired

Free agents lost

Claimed via waivers

Lost via waivers

Lost via retirement

Player signings

Draft picks

Montreal's picks at the 2009 NHL entry draft in

Montreal Montreal is the List of towns in Quebec, largest city in the Provinces and territories of Canada, province of Quebec, the List of the largest municipalities in Canada by population, second-largest in Canada, and the List of North American cit ...

Quebec Quebec is Canada's List of Canadian provinces and territories by area, largest province by area. Located in Central Canada, the province shares borders with the provinces of Ontario to the west, Newfoundland and Labrador to the northeast, ...

Farm teams

Hamilton Bulldogs

The Hamilton Bulldogs remain Montreal's top affiliate in the

American Hockey League The American Hockey League (AHL) is a professional ice hockey league in North America that serves as the primary developmental league of the National Hockey League (NHL). The league comprises 32 teams, with 26 in the United States and 6 in Cana ...

in 2009–10.

Cincinnati Cyclones

Montreal continues their affiliation alongside the

for the

Cincinnati Cyclones The Cincinnati Cyclones are a professional minor league ice hockey team based in Cincinnati, Ohio. The team is a member of the ECHL. Originally established in 1990, the team first played their games in the Cincinnati Gardens and now play at Heri ...

of the

ECHL The ECHL (formerly the East Coast Hockey League) is a minor professional ice hockey league based in Shrewsbury, New Jersey, with teams across the United States and Canada. Competitively, it is a tier below the American Hockey League (AHL). The ...

in 2009–10.

Broadcasting

References

{{DEFAULTSORT:2009-10 Montreal Canadiens Season Montreal Canadiens seasons Montreal Canadiens season, 2009-10

Mon Mon, MON or Mon. may refer to: Places * Mon State, a subdivision of Myanmar * Mon, India, a town in Nagaland * Mon district, Nagaland * Mon, Raebareli, a village in Uttar Pradesh, India * Mon, Switzerland, a village in the Canton of Grisons * A ...

2009 in sports in Quebec 2010 in sports in Quebec 2009 in Montreal 2010 in Montreal

Season events

Off-season

Regular season

Playoffs

Standings

Divisional standings

Conference standings

Schedule and results

Preseason

Regular season

Playoffs

Player statistics

Skaters

Goaltenders

Suspensions/fines

Awards and records

Milestones

Awards

Transactions

Trades

Free agents acquired

Free agents lost

Claimed via waivers

Lost via waivers

Lost via retirement

Player signings

Draft picks

Farm teams

Hamilton Bulldogs

Cincinnati Cyclones

Broadcasting

See also

References