The 2011–12 Montreal Canadiens season was the team's 103rd season in franchise history and their 95th season 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) since the league was established on November 22, 1917. Finishing last place in their respective division and conference, the Canadiens did not qualify for the

2012 Stanley Cup playoffs The 2012 Stanley Cup playoffs was the playoff tournament of the National Hockey League (NHL) for the 2011–12 season. It began on April 11, 2012, after the conclusion of the regular season, and ended on June 11, with the Los Angeles Kings def ...

Off-season

Heading into the off-season, Canadiens general manager

Pierre Gauthier Pierre Gauthier (born May 28, 1953) is a Canadian former general manager of the Montreal Canadiens, Mighty Ducks of Anaheim, and Ottawa Senators. He is currently the director of player personnel of the Chicago Blackhawks. Hockey career Gauthier s ...

had certain issues to address. There were several unrestricted free agents on the team that included, most notably

Jeff Halpern Jeffrey Craig Halpern (born May 3, 1976) is an American former professional ice hockey player. He played for the Washington Capitals twice, Dallas Stars, Tampa Bay Lightning, Los Angeles Kings, New York Rangers, Montreal Canadiens, and Phoenix Co ...

, Roman Hamrlik,

Alex Auld Alexander James Auld (born January 7, 1981) is a Canadian former professional ice hockey goaltender. Auld played in the National Hockey League (NHL) with the Vancouver Canucks, Florida Panthers, Phoenix Coyotes, Boston Bruins, Ottawa Senators, Da ...

Brent Sopel Brent Bernard Sopel (born January 7, 1977) is a Canadian former professional ice hockey defenceman who played the majority of his career in the National Hockey League (NHL). Sopel was originally selected 144th overall at the 1995 NHL Entry Draft ...

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 ...

James Wisniewski James Joseph Wisniewski (born February 21, 1984) is an Americans, American former professional ice hockey Defenseman (ice hockey), defenseman. He most recently played for the Kassel Huskies of the German DEL2. He has previously played in the Nati ...

Mathieu Darche Mathieu Darche (born November 26, 1976) is a Canadian professional ice hockey executive and former player who is the general manager for the New York Islanders of the National Hockey League (NHL). He played for several American Hockey League (AH ...

and Andrei Markov. The team managed to re-sign Gill, Darche and Markov. On the other hand, no contracts were offered to Halpern, Auld and Sopel, thus allowing them to leave the team. Roman Hamrlik rejected the Canadiens's one-year offer and instead accepted a two-year contract with 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 ...

. James Wisniewski let it be known that he would be testing the free agent market (where a bidding war for his services would ensue). On June 29, his negotiating rights were traded to the

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 ...

. On the restricted free agent side, qualifying offers were made to

Andrei Kostitsyn Andrei Olegovich Kostitsyn (; ; born 3 February 1985) is a former Belarusian professional ice hockey forward. The media have nicknamed him "AK-46", a play on his initials (AK) and player number (46) in reference to the Soviet AK-47 rifle. He ...

, Max Pacioretty,

David Desharnais David Kevin Denis Desharnais (born September 14, 1986) is a Canadian former professional ice hockey Centre (ice hockey), centre. He played in the National Hockey League (NHL) for the Montreal Canadiens, Edmonton Oilers and New York Rangers. He al ...

, Yannick Weber,

Ryan White Ryan Wayne White (December 6, 1971 – April 8, 1990) was an American teenager from Kokomo, Indiana, who became a national poster child for HIV/AIDS in the United States after his school barred him from attending classes following a diagn ...

and

Josh Gorges Joshua Daniel Gorges (born August 14, 1984) is a Canadians, Canadian former professional ice hockey Defenseman (ice hockey), defenseman. He is of Germans, German ancestry; his grandparents emigrated from Germany to Canada. Gorges played in the Na ...

, and all were eventually re-signed. No qualifying offers were made to forwards

Dustin Boyd Dustin James Boyd (born July 16, 1986) is a retired Canadian-Kazakhstani professional ice hockey player. He was most recently under contract with Barys Nur-Sultan of the Kontinental Hockey League (KHL). Playing career After playing two seasons ...

, Tom Pyatt, Benoit Pouliot and defenceman Alexandre Picard, thus allowing them to become unrestricted free agents. On the first day of free agency on July 1, Pierre Gauthier addressed two needs – a big-body forward and a reliable back-up goaltender. They were successful in their first objective in the signing of forward

Erik Cole Erik Cole (born November 6, 1978) is an American former professional ice hockey left winger. Originally drafted by the Hurricanes in the 1998 NHL Entry Draft, Cole played 15 seasons in the NHL for the Carolina Hurricanes, Edmonton Oilers, Mont ...

from 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 ...

to a four-year, $18 million contract. Their need for a capable back-up goaltender to periodically relieve

Carey Price Carey Price (born August 16, 1987) is a Canadian professional ice hockey goaltender currently under contract with the Montreal Canadiens of the National Hockey League (NHL). Considered one of the best goaltenders in the world during his career, ...

was also fulfilled when they signed free agent

Peter Budaj Peter Budaj ( ; born 18 September 1982) is a Slovak former professional ice hockey goaltender. He had previously played in the National Hockey League for the Colorado Avalanche, which drafted him, Montreal Canadiens, Los Angeles Kings, and Tam ...

from the

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 ...

to a two-year deal worth $2.3 million. Another notable transaction during the off-season was the signing of rugged Russian defenceman

Alexei Emelin Alexei Vyacheslavovich Emelin (Russian: Алексей Вячеславович Емелин; born 25 April 1986) is a Russians, Russian professional ice hockey defenceman who is currently an unrestricted free agent. He was selected in the third ...

to a one-year,

two-way contract A two-way contract is a professional sports contract that stipulates that an athlete's salary is dependent upon the league in which the athlete is assigned to play. This is opposed to a one-way contract that would pay the same salary regardless o ...

for the 2011–12 season. Emelin, drafted by the Canadiens in the third round with the 84th overall pick in the 2004 NHL entry draft, was under the Canadiens' radar for quite some time. He finally agreed to make the jump to North America when a clause was inserted in his contract, stating that he would be able to return to the

Kontinental Hockey League The Kontinental Hockey League (KHL; ) is an international professional ice hockey league founded in 2008. It comprises member clubs based in Russia (20), Belarus (1), Kazakhstan (1), and China (1) for a total of 23 clubs. It was considered in ...

(KHL) in Russia should he be unable to make the Canadiens' NHL roster. Emelin is often compared to fellow Russian and former NHL defenceman

Darius Kasparaitis Darius Kasparaitis (born October 16, 1972) is a Lithuanian–American former professional ice hockey defenceman. He mainly played in the National Hockey League (NHL) for the New York Islanders, Pittsburgh Penguins, Colorado Avalanche, and New Yo ...

, who was known for his aggressive, physical playing style. Assistant Coach

Kirk Muller Kirk Christopher Muller (born February 8, 1966) is a Canadian former professional ice hockey centre and current assistant coach with the Washington Capitals of the National Hockey League (NHL). He played in the NHL for 19 seasons from ...

, who was part of the Canadiens' coaching staff since 2006, confirmed rumours that he was actively seeking a head coaching position in the NHL and would be leaving the team. On June 27, 2011, following his inability to find a head coaching position in the NHL, the

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 ...

announced that Muller had been hired as the head coach of their

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 ...

(AHL) affiliate, the

Milwaukee Admirals The Milwaukee Admirals are a professional ice hockey team based in Milwaukee. They are the American Hockey League (AHL) affiliate of the National Hockey League (NHL)'s Nashville Predators. They play their homes games at the UW–Milwaukee Panther ...

. He would later fulfill his dream when on November 28, 2011, Muller became coach of the Carolina Hurricanes, taking over for

Paul Maurice Paul Maurice (born January 30, 1967) is a Canadian professional ice hockey coach and former player who is the head coach for the Florida Panthers of the National Hockey League (NHL). At age 43, Maurice became the youngest coach in NHL history to ...

. Following Muller's departure, GM Pierre Gauthier announced the appointment of Randy Cunneyworth and

Randy Ladouceur Randall Ladouceur (born June 30, 1960) is a Canadian ice hockey coach and former professional ice hockey defenseman. He previously served as an assistant coach for the Montreal Canadiens, Hamilton Bulldogs and Toronto Maple Leafs. Career Ladouc ...

as assistant coaches. Cunneyworth and Ladouceur were coach and assistant coach respectfully for the Canadiens's AHL affiliate, the

Hamilton Bulldogs The Hamilton Bulldogs were a Canadian major junior ice hockey team in the Ontario Hockey League (OHL) that began to play in the 2015–16 season. Based in Hamilton, Ontario, the Bulldogs played home games at FirstOntario Centre. They were purc ...

, during the previous season. The addition of Ladouceur also provides the team the first former defenceman as an assistant coach since the 2005–06 season.

Season timeline

October

The Canadiens started with the team's worst start since 1941. Prior to their first game of the season, defenceman Andrei Markov was placed on the injured reserved list. The Canadiens started the season with a 2–0 loss to 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 ...

at the

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 ...

. During the game, newly acquired defenceman

Chris Campoli Christopher Campoli (born July 9, 1984) is a Canadian professional ice hockey player for the Dundas Real McCoys of the Ontario Hockey Association's Allan Cup Hockey. He played for the Chicago Blackhawks, Ottawa Senators, New York Islanders, and ...

suffered a hamstring injury and was sidelined indefinitely. The team's first win of the season was a 5–1 decision against the

Winnipeg Jets The Winnipeg Jets are a professional ice hockey team based in Winnipeg. The Jets 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 te ...

at the

MTS Centre Canada Life Centre (formerly Bell MTS Place) is an indoor arena in downtown Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada. It is the home of the National Hockey League's Winnipeg Jets and their American Hockey League affiliate, the Manitoba Moose. The arena stand ...

, which was the Jets' first game in the newly relocated franchise's history. The Canadiens played their home opener on October 13 in a 4–1 loss to the

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 ...

. This coincided with

Lars Eller Lars Fosgaard Eller (born 8 May 1989) is a Danish professional ice hockey player for the Washington Capitals of the National Hockey League (NHL). Nicknamed "the Tiger", he was drafted by the St. Louis Blues in the first round, 13th overall, in th ...

's first game of the season following off-season shoulder surgery. That same day, the team announced that forward Ryan White had surgery for a sports hernia and would be sidelined indefinitely. On October 23, the team traded long-time prospect Brock Trotter and their seventh round pick in the 2012 NHL entry draft to the

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 ...

for forward

Petteri Nokelainen Petteri Antti Nokelainen (born January 16, 1986) is a Finnish former professional ice hockey forward who played over 200 games in the National Hockey League (NHL). He concluded his professional career in returning to his original club, SaiPa of ...

and defenceman

Garrett Stafford Garrett Stafford (born January 28, 1980) is an American former professional ice hockey defenseman. He played in the National Hockey League (NHL) with the Detroit Red Wings, Dallas Stars and Phoenix Coyotes. Playing career As a youth, Stafford p ...

. The team would go on to a six-game losing streak and five-game losing streak at home until defeating 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 ...

5–1 on October 26, 2011, at the Bell Centre. Prior to the game, the Canadiens relieved Assistant Coach

Perry Pearn Perry Pearn (born June 6, 1951) is a Canadian professional ice hockey coach. He is a former assistant coach in the National Hockey League, most recently with the Vancouver Canucks. In 2022, he became the head coach of the Japanese national ice ho ...

of his duties, offering him another position in the organization, which he declined. Pearn was replaced behind the bench by

, who until then was situated in the press box during game time.

November

On November 10, the Canadiens beat the Phoenix Coyotes 3–2 in overtime to continue their winning streak in Phoenix. The Coyotes have not beaten the Canadiens at home ice since December 9, 1998, when they won 4–2. Carey Price recorded back-to-back shutouts for the first time of his career in duplicate 4–0 wins against the

on November 16 and 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 ...

on November 19. Max Pacioretty was suspended by NHL disciplinarian

Brendan Shanahan Brendan Frederick Shanahan (born January 23, 1969) is a Canadian American professional ice hockey executive and former player who was the outgoing president and alternate governor for the Toronto Maple Leafs, having previously served as the dire ...

for three games following a questionable hit on

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 ...

defenceman

Kris Letang Kristopher Joseph Pierre Irwin Letang (born April 24, 1987) is a Canadian professional ice hockey defenceman and alternate captain for the Pittsburgh Penguins of the National Hockey League (NHL). He played juniors in the Quebec Major Junior Hock ...

on November 26 at the Bell Centre. Letang suffered a broken nose but still managed to finish the game. No penalty had been called on the hit. The month also saw the NHL debuts of defenceman Frederic St. Denis on November 16 in a 4–0 win against the Carolina Hurricanes and

Louis Leblanc Louis Jean Joseph Leblanc (born January 26, 1991) is a Canadian former professional ice hockey centre. Leblanc played minor hockey in the Montreal region before he moved to the United States in 2008, playing one season with the Omaha Lancers of ...

on November 30 in a 4–1 loss to 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 ...

December

In an effort to bolster their power play, which was ranked 29th out of 30 teams in the league, GM Pierre Gauthier acquired defenceman

Tomas Kaberle Tomas may refer to: People * Tomás (given name), a Spanish, Portuguese, and Gaelic given name * Tomas (given name), a Swedish, Dutch, and Lithuanian given name * Tomáš, a Czech and Slovak given name * Tomàs, a Catalan given name and surname * ...

from the Carolina Hurricanes on December 9 in exchange for defenceman Jaroslav Spacek. In his first game with the Canadiens, Kaberle registered two assists, including one on the power play, in a 2–1 road win against the

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 ...

. Chris Campoli returned to action on December 13 against the

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 ...

. He was sidelined with a lower body injury suffered during the team's season opener against the Toronto Maple Leafs back on October 6. Feeling that the team was under performing with its 13–12–7 losing record, Pierre Gauthier fired Head Coach Jacques Martin on December 17. Assistant Coach Randy Cunneyworth was named interim head coach. Cunneyworth became the first unilingual, English-speaking active head coach of the Canadiens since Bob Berry, who was head coach from 1981 to 1984. Assistant general manager

Larry Carriere Lawrence Robert Carrière (born January 30, 1952) is a Canadian former professional ice hockey defenceman and executive. He was drafted in the second round, 25th overall, by the Buffalo Sabres in the 1972 NHL Amateur Draft. He played in the Nati ...

was named assistant coach in a questionable move, as Carriere has never coached hockey at any level whatsoever. Cunneyworth's first game as the interim head coach resulted in a 5–3 loss against the New Jersey Devils at the Bell Centre on December 17. Under interim coach Cunneyworth, the team embarked on a five-game losing skid until finally winning their first game under their new coach in a convincing 6–2 win against the Senators in

Ottawa Ottawa is the capital city of Canada. It is located in the southern Ontario, southern portion of the province of Ontario, at the confluence of the Ottawa River and the Rideau River. Ottawa borders Gatineau, Gatineau, Quebec, and forms the cor ...

on December 27. Despite this win, the team dropped their next two games and closed off the month losing 7 of their last 8 games.

January

Lars Eller started off the new year in style on January 4 by scoring four goals (three in the third period alone) to help his team pounce the Winnipeg Jets 7–3 at the Bell Centre. Eller becomes the first Canadiens player to score four goals in one game since

Jan Bulis Jan Bulis () (born March 18, 1978) is a Czech former professional hockey winger who last played as the Captain of Traktor Chelyabinsk of the Kontinental Hockey League (KHL). He spent nine seasons in the National Hockey League (NHL), playing with ...

did so against the

back on January 26, 2006. On January 12, goaltender Carey Price was invited to the 2012 NHL All-Star Game, which was played on January 29 in Ottawa. He was accompanied by teammate Raphael Diaz, who participated in the rookie skills competition held on January 28. One day after

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 ...

made disparaging remarks about the current status of the Montreal Canadiens, the Habs decided to part ways with the veteran forward. On January 12, Cammalleri was pulled out of a game against the

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 ...

to find out that he had been traded to the Calgary Flames, along with goaltender

Karri Ramo ''Eucalyptus diversicolor'', commonly known as karri, is a species of flowering plant in the family Myrtaceae and is endemic to the south-west of Western Australia. It is a tall tree with smooth light grey to cream-coloured, often mottled bar ...

and a fifth round pick in 2012. In exchange, Montreal received forwards Rene Bourque, Patrick Holland and a second-round pick in

2013 2013 was the first year since 1987 to contain four unique digits (a span of 26 years). 2013 was designated as: *International Year of Water Cooperation *International Year of Quinoa Events January * January 5 – 2013 Craig, Alask ...

. Bourque carried a salary cap hit of $3.3 million until the 2015–16 season. This is Cammalleri's second tenure with the Flames, where he scored 39 goals during the 2008–09 season.

February

Max Pacioretty scored the first

hat-trick A hat-trick or hat trick is the achievement of a generally positive feat three times in a match, or another achievement based on the number three. Origin The term first appeared in 1858 in cricket, to describe H. H. Stephenson taking three Wick ...

of his career in a 4–2 win against the New York Islanders on February 9. After being sidelined since the beginning of the season with a sports hernia, Ryan White finally made his season debut on February 15 against the Boston Bruins at the Bell Centre. With their playoff hopes dying with each passing day, Pierre Gauthier became a seller. On February 17, Montreal sent defenceman

and a conditional 2013 fifth-round draft pick to the

for a 2012 second-round pick, prospect Robert Slaney and Blake Geoffrion, the grandson of former Habs great Bernard Geoffrion and great-grandson of Canadiens legend

Howie Morenz Howard William Morenz (September 21, 1902 – March 8, 1937) was a Canadian professional ice hockey player. Beginning in 1923, he played centre for three National Hockey League (NHL) teams: the Montreal Canadiens (in two stints), the Chicago Bla ...

. During the trade deadline on February 27, the Canadiens reacquired their fifth-round conditional pick in the Hall Gill trade, as well as the Predators' second-round pick in 2013 for forward

. They also claimed via re-entry waivers enforcer Brad Staubitz from the

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 ...

. Despite rumors to the contrary,

Travis Moen Travis Shawn Moen (born April 6, 1982) is a Canadian former professional ice hockey winger. He was selected in the fifth round, 155th overall, by the Calgary Flames of the National Hockey League (NHL) in the 2000 NHL Entry Draft and previously p ...

and Chris Campoli, who were set to both become unrestricted free agents at the end of season, were not moved. The Canadiens finished the month losing seven of their last eight games, including a five-game losing streak.

March and April

Max Pacioretty became the first American-born player in Canadiens history to reach the 30 goal mark during a 5–4 victory on March 8 against the

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 ...

. March 10 saw the return of defenceman Andrei Markov to the line-up. He registered an assist in the Canadiens 4–1 win against the

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 ...

. Markov, who had been sidelined with a torn ACL, played his first game since November 13, 2010, missing almost 16 months of action.

scored a natural hat-trick just 5:41 after the opening faceoff on March 24 when the Habs defeated the Ottawa Senators 5–1. In turn, Cole became the second American-born player in Canadiens history to reach the 30-goal plateau. His effort also set a team record for the fastest natural hat-trick to start a game by any Canadiens player. Cole finished the season with a record-high 35 goals for an American-born player. The Canadiens were officially eliminated from playoff contention in their 76th game of the season following a 4–1 loss to the Philadelphia Flyers on March 24. On March 29, team owner

Geoff Molson Geoffrey Eric Molson (born July 23, 1971), is a Canadian businessman and current president and chief executive officer and co-owner of the National Hockey League's Montreal Canadiens, Evenko, Bell Centre, and L'Équipe Spectra alongside his b ...

officially relieved Pierre Gauthier of his duties as general manager.

Bob Gainey Robert Michael Gainey (born December 13, 1953) is a Canadian former professional ice hockey player who played for the Montreal Canadiens from 1973 until 1989. After retiring from active play, he became a hockey coach and later an executive with ...

was also let go of his duties as special advisor to the GM. Molson further announced that former Habs GM

Serge Savard Serge Aubrey Savard (born January 22, 1946) is a Canadian former professional ice hockey defenceman, most famously with the Montreal Canadiens of the National Hockey League (NHL). He also served as the Canadiens' Senior Vice President of Hockey ...

would be acting as special advisor to find the next general manager. April 1 saw the NHL debut of Gabriel Dumont in a winning cause against the

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 ...

Standings

Schedule and results

Pre-season

, - style="background:#fbb;" , 1 , , September 20 , ,

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 ...

, , 3–6 , , Price , ,

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 ...

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

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 ...

, , 1–3 , , Mayer , ,

, , 21,273 , , 0–2–0 , , , - style="background:#cfc;" , 3 , , September 23 , ,

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 ...

, , 4–3 SO , , Lawson , ,

, , 17,853 , , 1–2–0 , , , - style="background:#fbb;" , 4 , , September 24 , , Ottawa Senators , , 2–3 , , Price , ,

, , 21,273 , , 1–3–0 , , , - style="background:#fbb;" , 5 , , September 25 , ,

, , 3–7 , , Budaj , , Halifax , , 10,595 , , 1–4–0 , , , - style="background:#fbb;" , 6 , , September 26 , , Boston Bruins , , 1–2 , , Price , ,

, , 21,273 , , 1–5–0 , , , - style="background:#fbb;" , 7 , , September 29 , ,

, , 0–4 , , Budaj , ,

, , 21,273 , , 1–6–0 , , , - style="background:#cfc;" , 8 , , October 1 , , Tampa Bay Lightning , , 5–1 , , Price , ,

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 ...

, , 15,176 , , 2–6–0 , , , -

Regular season

, - style="text-align:center; background:#fcc;" , 1 , , October 6 , , @

, , 0–2 , , Price , ,

, , 19,606 , , 0–1–0 , , 0 , , , - style="text-align:center; background:#cfc;" , 2 , , October 9 , , @

, , 5–1 , , Price , ,

, , 15,004, , 1–1–0 , , 2 , , , - style="text-align:center; background:#fcc;" , 3 , , October 13 , ,

, , 1–4 , , Price , ,

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), ...

, , 21,273 , , 1–2–0 , , 2 , , , - style="background: #e1e1e1;" , 4 , , October 15 , ,

, , 5–6 SO , , Price , , Bell Centre , , 21,273 , , 1–2–1 , , 3 , , , - style="text-align:center; background:#fcc;" , 5 , , October 18 , ,

, , 1–3 , , Price , , Bell Centre , , 21,273 , , 1–3–1 , , 3 , , , - style="text-align:center; background:#fcc;" , 6 , , October 20 , , @

, , 1–3 , , Price , ,

Consol Energy Center PPG Paints Arena is a multi-purpose indoor arena in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, that serves as the home of the Pittsburgh Penguins of the National Hockey League (NHL). It previously was the home of the Pittsburgh Power of the Arena Football Leagu ...

, , 18,403 , , 1–4–1 , , 3 , , , - style="background: #e1e1e1;" , 7 , , October 22 , , Toronto Maple Leafs , , 4–5 OT , , Price , , Bell Centre , , 21,273 , , 1–4–2 , , 4 , , , - style="text-align:center; background:#fcc;" , 8 , , October 24 , ,

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 ...

, , 1–2 , , Budaj , , Bell Centre , , 21,273 , , 1–5–2 , , 4 , , , - style="text-align:center; background:#cfc;" , 9 , , October 26 , ,

, , 5–1 , , Price , , Bell Centre , , 21,273 , , 2–5–2 , , 6 , , , - style="text-align:center; background:#cfc;" , 10 , , October 27 , , @

, , 2–1 , , Price , ,

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 , , 3–5–2 , , 8 , , , - style="text-align:center; background:#cfc;" , 11 , , October 29 , , Boston Bruins , , 4–2 , , Price , , Bell Centre , , 21,273 , , 4–5–2 , , 10 , , , - , - style="text-align:center; background:#cfc;" , 12 , , November 4 , , @

, , 2–1 , , Price , ,

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. ...

, , 20,329 , , 5–5–2 , , 12 , , , - style="text-align:center; background:#fcc;" , 13 , , November 5 , , @

, , 3–5 , , Price , ,

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 , , 5–6–2 , , 12 , , , - style="text-align:center; background:#fcc;" , 14 , , November 8 , ,

, , 1–3 , , Price , , Bell Centre , , 21,273 , , 5–7–2 , , 12 , , , - style="text-align:center; background:#cfc;" , 15 , , November 10 , , @

, , 3–2 OT , , Price , , Jobing.com Arena , , 14,138 , , 6–7–2 , , 14 , , , - style="text-align:center; background:#cfc;" , 16 , , November 12 , , @

, , 2–1 OT , , Budaj , ,

Bridgestone Arena 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 ...

, , 17,113 , , 7–7–2 , , 16 , , , - style="background: #e1e1e1;" , 17 , , November 14 , , Buffalo Sabres , , 2–3 SO , , Price , , Bell Centre , , 21,273 , , 7–7–3 , , 17 , , , - style="text-align:center; background:#cfc;" , 18 , , November 16 , ,

, , 4–0 , , Price , , Bell Centre , , 21,273 , , 8–7–3 , , 19 , , , - style="text-align:center; background:#fcc;" , 19 , , November 17 , , @

, , 3–4 , , Budaj , ,

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 ...

, , 9928 , , 8–8–3 , , 19 , , , - style="text-align:center; background:#cfc;" , 20 , , November 19 , ,

, , 4–0 , , Price , , Bell Centre , , 21,273 , , 9–8–3 , , 21 , , , - style="text-align:center; background:#fcc;" , 21 , , November 21 , , Boston Bruins , , 0–1 , , Price , , Bell Centre , , 21,273 , , 9–9–3 , , 21 , , , - style="text-align:center; background:#cfc;" , 22 , , November 23 , , @ Carolina Hurricanes , , 4–3 SO , , Price , ,

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 ...

, , 14,862 , , 10–9–3 , , 23 , , , - style="text-align:center; background:#fcc;" , 23 , , November 25 , , @ Philadelphia Flyers , , 1–3 , , Price , ,

Wells Fargo Center Wells Fargo Center may refer to: * Wells Fargo Center (Los Angeles), California * Wells Fargo Center (Sacramento), California * Wells Fargo Center (San Francisco), California * Wells Fargo Center for the Arts, Santa Rosa, California * Wells Fargo C ...

, , 19,991 , , 10–10–3 , , 23 , , , - style="background: #e1e1e1;" , 24 , , November 26 , , Pittsburgh Penguins , , 3–4 OT , , Price , , Bell Centre , , 21,273 , , 10–10–4 , , 24 , , , - style="text-align:center; background:#fcc;" , 25 , , November 30 , , @

, , 1–4 , , Budaj , ,

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 ...

, , 13,237 , , 10–11–4 , , 24 , , , - , - style="background: #e1e1e1;" , 26 , , December 1 , , @

San Jose Sharks The San Jose Sharks are a professional ice hockey team based in San Jose, California. The Sharks compete in the National Hockey League (NHL) as a member of the Pacific Division (NHL), Pacific Division in the Western Conference (NHL), Western Con ...

, , 3–4 SO , , Price , ,

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 , , 10–11–5 , , 25 , , , - style="text-align:center; background:#cfc;" , 27 , , December 3 , , @

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

, , 2–1 , , Price , ,

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 , , 11–11–5 , , 27 , , , - style="background: #e1e1e1;" , 28 , , December 6 , ,

, , 2–3 SO , , Price , , Bell Centre , , 21,273 , , 11–11–6 , , 28 , , , - style="background: #e1e1e1;" , 29 , , December 8 , ,

, , 3–4 SO , , Price , , Bell Centre , , 21,273 , , 11–11–7 , , 29 , , , - style="text-align:center; background:#cfc;" , 30 , , December 10 , , @

, , 2–1 , , Price , ,

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 ...

, , 14,210 , , 12–11–7 , , 31 , , , - style="text-align:center; background:#cfc;" , 31 , , December 13 , , New York Islanders , , 5–3 , , Price , , Bell Centre , , 21,273 , , 13–11–7 , , 33 , , , - style="text-align:center; background:#fcc;" , 32 , , December 15 , , Philadelphia Flyers , , 3–4 , , Price , , Bell Centre , , 21,273 , , 13–12–7 , , 33 , , , - style="text-align:center; background:#fcc;" , 33 , , December 17 , , New Jersey Devils , , 3–5 , , Price , , Bell Centre , , 21,273 , , 13–13–7 , , 33 , , , - style="text-align:center; background:#fcc;" , 34 , , December 19 , , @ Boston Bruins , , 2–3 , , Price , , TD Garden , , 17,565 , , 13–14–7 , , 33 , , , - style="text-align:center; background:#fcc;" , 35 , , December 21 , , @

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 ...

, , 1–5 , , Budaj , ,

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) ...

, , 22,081 , , 13–15–7 , , 33 , , , - style="text-align:center; background:#fcc;" , 36 , , December 22 , , @ Winnipeg Jets , , 0–4 , , Price , , MTS Centre , , 15,004 , , 13–16–7 , , 33 , , , - style="text-align:center; background:#cfc;" , 37 , , December 27 , , @ Ottawa Senators , , 6–2 , , Price , , Scotiabank Place , , 20,500 , , 14–16–7 , , 35 , , , - style="text-align:center; background:#fcc;" , 38 , , December 29 , , @

, , 3–4 , , Price , , St. Pete Times Forum , , 19,204 , , 14–17–7 , , 35 , , , - style="text-align:center; background:#fcc;" , 39 , , December 31 , , @ Florida Panthers , , 2–3 , , Price , ,

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 ...

, , 20,098 , , 14–18–7 , , 35 , , , - , - style="text-align:center; background:#cfc;" , 40 , , January 4 , , Winnipeg Jets , , 7–3 , , Price , , Bell Centre , , 21,273 , , 15–18–7 , , 37 , , , - style="text-align:center; background:#cfc;" , 41 , , January 7 , , Tampa Bay Lightning , , 3–1 , , Price , , Bell Centre , , 21,273 , , 16–18–7 , , 39 , , , - style="text-align:center; background:#fcc;" , 42 , , January 10 , ,

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 ...

, , 0–3 , , Price , , Bell Centre , , 21,273 , , 16–19–7 , , 39 , , , - style="text-align:center; background:#fcc;" , 43 , , January 12 , , @ Boston Bruins , , 1–2 , , Price , , TD Garden , , 17,565 , , 16–20–7 , , 39 , , , - style="background: #e1e1e1;" , 44 , , January 14 , , Ottawa Senators , , 2–3 SO , , Price , , Bell Centre , , 21,273 , , 16–20–8 , , 40 , , , - style="text-align:center; background:#cfc;" , 45 , , January 15 , , New York Rangers , , 4–1 , , Budaj , , Bell Centre , , 21,273 , , 17–20–8 , , 42 , , , - style="text-align:center; background:#fcc;" , 46 , , January 18 , ,

, , 0–3 , , Price , , Bell Centre , , 21,273 , , 17–21–8 , , 42 , , , - style="background: #e1e1e1;" , 47 , , January 20 , , @ Pittsburgh Penguins , , 4–5 SO , , Budaj , , Consol Energy Center , , 18,588 , , 17–21–9 , , 43 , , , - style="text-align:center; background:#cfc;" , 48 , , January 21 , , @ Toronto Maple Leafs , , 3–1 , , Price , , Air Canada Centre , , 19,643 , , 18–21–9 , , 45 , , , - style="text-align:center; background:#cfc;" , 49 , , January 25 , ,

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 ...

, , 7–2 , , Price , , Bell Centre , , 21,273 , , 19–21–9 , , 47 , , , - style="text-align:center; background:#fcc;" , 50 , , January 31 , , Buffalo Sabres , , 1–3 , , Price , , Bell Centre , , 21,273 , , 19–22–9 , , 47 , , , - , - style="text-align:center; background:#fcc;" , 51 , , February 2 , , @ New Jersey Devils , , 3–5 , , Price , , Prudential Center , , 13,283 , , 19–23–9 , , 47 , , , - style="text-align:center; background:#fcc;" , 52 , , February 4 , , Washington Capitals , , 0–3 , , Budaj , , Bell Centre , , 21,273 , , 19–24–9 , , 47 , , , - style="text-align:center; background:#cfc;" , 53 , , February 5 , , Winnipeg Jets , , 3–0 , , Price , , Bell Centre , , 21,273 , , 20–24–9 , , 49 , , , - style="text-align:center; background:#cfc;" , 54 , , February 7 , , Pittsburgh Penguins , , 3–2 SO , , Price , , Bell Centre , , 21,273 , , 21–24–9 , , 51 , , , - style="text-align:center; background:#cfc;" , 55 , , February 9 , , @ New York Islanders , , 4–2 , , Price , , Nassau Coliseum , , 12,312 , , 22–24–9 , , 53 , , , - style="text-align:center; background:#cfc;" , 56 , , February 11 , , @ Toronto Maple Leafs , , 5–0 , , Price , , Air Canada Centre , , 19,685 , , 23–24–9 , , 55 , , , - style="text-align:center; background:#fcc;" , 57 , , February 13 , , Carolina Hurricanes , , 3–5 , , Price , , Bell Centre , , 21,273 , , 23–25–9 , , 55 , , , - style="background: #e1e1e1;" , 58 , , February 15 , , Boston Bruins , , 3–4 SO , , Price , , Bell Centre , , 21,273 , , 23–25–10 , , 56 , , , - style="text-align:center; background:#cfc;" , 59 , , February 17 , , @ Buffalo Sabres , , 4–3 SO , , Price , ,

First Niagara Center KeyBank Center is a multipurpose indoor arena located in Buffalo, New York, United States. Originally known as Marine Midland Arena, the venue has since been named HSBC Arena and First Niagara Center. Home to the Buffalo Sabres of the Nation ...

, , 18,690 , , 24–25–10 , , 58 , , , - style="text-align:center; background:#fcc;" , 60 , , February 19 , , New Jersey Devils , , 1–3 , , Price , , Bell Centre , , 21,273 , , 24–26–10 , , 58 , , , - style="text-align:center; background:#fcc;" , 61 , , February 21 , ,

, , 0–3 , , Price , , Bell Centre , , 21,273 , , 24–27–10 , , 58 , , , - style="text-align:center; background:#fcc;" , 62 , , February 24 , , @ Washington Capitals , , 1–4 , , Price , , Verizon Center , , 18,506 , , 24–28–10 , , 58 , , , - style="text-align:center; background:#fcc;" , 63 , , February 26 , , @ Florida Panthers , , 2–4 , , Budaj , , BankAtlantic Center , , 18,108 , , 24–29–10 , , 58 , , , - style="text-align:center; background:#fcc;" , 64 , , February 28 , , @ Tampa Bay Lightning , , 1–2 , , Price , , St. Pete Times Forum , , 18,878 , , 24–30–10 , , 58 , , , - , - style="text-align:center; background:#cfc;" , 65 , , March 1 , ,

, , 5–4 SO , , Price , , Bell Centre , , 21,273 , , 25–30–10 , , 60 , , , - style="text-align:center; background:#fcc;" , 66 , , March 3 , , Toronto Maple Leafs , , 1–3 , , Price , , Bell Centre , , 21,273 , , 25–31–10 , , 60 , , , - style="text-align:center; background:#fcc;" , 67 , , March 6 , , @ Calgary Flames , , 4–5 , , Price , ,

Scotiabank Saddledome Scotiabank Saddledome is a multi-use indoor arena in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. Located in Stampede Park in the southeast end of downtown Calgary, the Saddledome was built in 1983 to replace the Stampede Corral as the home of the Calgary Flames ...

, , 19,289 , , 25–32–10 , , 60 , , , - style="text-align:center; background:#cfc;" , 68 , , March 8 , , @ Edmonton Oilers , , 5–3 , , Budaj , ,

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 , , 26–32–10 , , 62 , , , - style="text-align:center; background:#cfc;" , 69 , , March 10 , , @ Vancouver Canucks , , 4–1 , , Price , ,

Rogers Arena Rogers Arena, (formerly General Motors Place), is a multi-purpose list of indoor arenas, arena at 800 Griffiths Way in the Downtown Vancouver, downtown area of Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. Opened in 1995, the arena was known as General ...

, , 18,890 , , 27–32–10 , , 64 , , , - style="background: #e1e1e1;" , 70 , , March 12 , , @ Buffalo Sabres , , 3–4 OT , , Budaj , , First Niagara Center , , 18,690 , , 27–32–11 , , 65 , , , - style="text-align:center; background:#cfc;" , 71 , , March 14 , , Ottawa Senators , , 3–2 SO , , Price , , Bell Centre , , 21,273 , , 28–32–11 , , 67 , , , - style="background: #e1e1e1;" , 72 , , March 16 , , @ Ottawa Senators , , 1–2 OT , , Price , , Scotiabank Place , , 20,500 , , 28–32–12 , , 68 , , , - style="background: #e1e1e1;" , 73 , , March 17 , , New York Islanders , , 2–3 SO , , Budaj , , Bell Centre , , 21,273 , , 28–32–13 , , 69 , , , - style="text-align:center; background:#fcc;" , 74 , , March 21 , , @ Buffalo Sabres , , 0–3 , , Price , , First Niagara Center , , 18,690 , , 28–33–13 , , 69 , , , - style="text-align:center; background:#cfc;" , 75 , , March 23 , , Ottawa Senators , , 5–1 , , Price , , Bell Centre , , 21,273 , , 29–33–13 , , 71 , , , - style="text-align:center; background:#fcc;" , 76 , , March 24 , , @ Philadelphia Flyers , , 1–4 , , Budaj , , Wells Fargo Center , , 19,931 , , 29–34–13 , , 71 , , , - style="background: #e1e1e1;" , 77 , , March 27 , , Florida Panthers , , 2–3 SO , , Price , , Bell Centre , , 21,273 , , 29–34–14 , , 72 , , , - style="text-align:center; background:#fcc;" , 78 , , March 30 , , @ New York Rangers , , 1–4 , , Price , , Madison Square Garden , , 18,200 , , 29–35–14 , , 72 , , , - style="background: #e1e1e1;" , 79 , , March 31 , , @ Washington Capitals , , 2–3 SO , , Budaj , , Verizon Center , , 18,506 , , 29–35–15 , , 73 , , , - , - style="text-align:center; background:#cfc;" , 80 , , April 4 , , Tampa Bay Lightning , , 5–2 , , Budaj , , Bell Centre , , 21,273 , , 30–35–15 , , 75 , , , - style="background: #e1e1e1;" , 81 , , April 5 , , @ Carolina Hurricanes , , 1–2 (SO) , , Budaj , , RBC Center , , 17,836 , , 30–35–16 , , 76 , , , - style="text-align:center; background:#cfc;" , 82 , , April 7 , , Toronto Maple Leafs , , 4–1 , , Budaj , , Bell Centre , , 21,273 , , 31–35–16 , , 78 , , , - , ''Legend'':

Player statistics

Skaters

Goaltenders

^†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

Awards

Milestones

Transactions

The Canadiens have been involved in the following transactions during the 2011–12 season:

Trades

Free agents acquired

Free agents lost

Claimed via waivers

+On October 9, NHL commissioner

Gary Bettman Gary Bruce Bettman (born June 2, 1952) is an American sports executive who serves as the NHL commissioner, commissioner of the National Hockey League (NHL), a post he has held since February 1, 1993. Previously, Bettman was a senior vice preside ...

allowed the Montreal Canadiens to cancel the waiver claim on Betts and return him to the Philadelphia Flyers, as he had failed a physical due to an undisclosed injury which he had prior to being claimed.Injured Betts returned to Flyers
Accessed December 30, 2011

Lost via waivers

Player signings

Draft picks

Montreal's picks at the

2011 NHL entry draft The 2011 NHL entry draft was the 49th entry draft for the National Hockey League. It was held on June 24–25, 2011, at the Xcel Energy Center in Saint Paul, Minnesota. It was the first time the draft was held in the state of Minnesota since the ...

St. Paul Paul, also named Saul of Tarsus, commonly known as Paul the Apostle and Saint Paul, was a Christian apostle ( AD) who spread the teachings of Jesus in the first-century world. For his contributions towards the New Testament, he is generally ...

Minnesota Minnesota ( ) is a U.S. state, state in the Upper Midwestern region of the United States. It is bordered by the Canadian provinces of Manitoba and Ontario to the north and east and by the U.S. states of Wisconsin to the east, Iowa to the so ...

References

{{DEFAULTSORT:2011-12 Montreal Canadiens Season Montreal Canadiens seasons Montreal Canadiens season, 2011-12

2011 in sports in Quebec 2011 in Montreal 2012 in sports in Quebec 2012 in Montreal

Off-season

Season timeline

October

November

December

January

February

March and April

Standings

Schedule and results

Pre-season

Regular season

Player statistics

Skaters

Goaltenders

Suspensions/fines

Awards and records

Awards

Milestones

Transactions

Trades

Free agents acquired

Free agents lost

Claimed via waivers

Lost via waivers

Player signings

Draft picks

See also

References