**2009–10 Montreal Canadiens season**
**Definition:**
The 2009–10 Montreal Canadiens season was the National Hockey League (NHL) campaign marking the franchise’s 101st season of play and its 93rd as a member of the NHL. The Canadiens competed in the Eastern Conference, aiming to build on their previous season’s performance and secure a playoff berth.
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# 2009–10 Montreal Canadiens season
The 2009–10 season was a significant chapter in the history of the Montreal Canadiens, one of the NHL’s Original Six franchises. Entering their 101st season, the Canadiens sought to improve upon their 2008–09 campaign, which saw them finish with a respectable record but fall short of deep playoff success. Under the guidance of head coach Jacques Martin and led on the ice by captain Saku Koivu, the Canadiens aimed to return to the Stanley Cup playoffs and reestablish themselves as contenders in the Eastern Conference.
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## Offseason
### Management and Coaching Changes
During the offseason, the Canadiens maintained stability in their front office and coaching staff. General Manager Bob Gainey continued to oversee player transactions and roster construction, while Jacques Martin prepared for his second full season as head coach. The organization focused on strengthening the team’s defensive core and goaltending depth, areas identified as critical for sustained success.
### Player Transactions
The Canadiens were active in the free-agent market and trades, seeking to add veteran presence and depth. Notable acquisitions included the signing of defenseman Hal Gill, who brought size and experience to the blue line. The team also re-signed key players to contract extensions, ensuring continuity in the roster.
### NHL Entry Draft
At the 2009 NHL Entry Draft, held in Montreal, the Canadiens selected promising young talent to bolster their prospect pool. Their first-round pick was defenseman Louis Leblanc, a forward with offensive upside, signaling the team’s intent to develop future core players.
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## Preseason
The Canadiens participated in a series of preseason games designed to evaluate roster options and integrate new players. The coaching staff experimented with line combinations and defensive pairings, while younger players competed for spots on the opening night roster. The preseason performance was mixed, but it provided valuable insights into the team’s strengths and weaknesses heading into the regular season.
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## Regular Season
### Season Overview
The Canadiens began the 2009–10 regular season with high expectations but faced challenges that tested their resilience. The team displayed strong defensive play and goaltending, anchored by Carey Price, who emerged as a key figure in net. Offensively, the Canadiens relied on a balanced attack, with contributions from veterans and emerging stars alike.
### Standings and Record
Montreal finished the regular season with a record of 39 wins, 33 losses, and 10 overtime/shootout losses, accumulating 88 points. This performance placed them 8th in the Eastern Conference and 4th in the Northeast Division, securing the final playoff spot in the conference.
### Key Players and Statistics
– **Carey Price (Goaltender):** Price solidified his role as the Canadiens’ starting goaltender, posting a goals-against average (GAA) of 2.44 and a save percentage of .917 over 53 games.
– **Saku Koivu (Captain, Center):** Koivu led the team offensively with 54 points (18 goals, 36 assists), providing leadership and experience.
– **Max Pacioretty (Left Wing):** The rookie forward made an immediate impact, scoring 21 goals and 39 points, showcasing his potential as a future star.
– **Andrei Markov (Defenseman):** Markov contributed both offensively and defensively, tallying 44 points and playing significant minutes on the power play.
### Team Performance
The Canadiens were known for their disciplined defensive structure and effective penalty killing, which ranked among the better units in the league. However, inconsistency in scoring and occasional lapses in special teams play limited their ability to climb higher in the standings.
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## Playoffs
### First Round vs. Washington Capitals
Montreal qualified for the Stanley Cup playoffs as the 8th seed in the Eastern Conference and faced the top-seeded Washington Capitals in the first round. The Capitals, led by Alexander Ovechkin, were heavy favorites.
The series was competitive, with the Canadiens pushing the Capitals to six games. Montreal’s defense and goaltending kept the series close, but Washington’s offensive firepower ultimately prevailed. The Canadiens were eliminated after a 4-2 series loss.
### Series Summary
– Game 1: Montreal lost 3-2 in overtime.
– Game 2: Montreal won 4-3 in overtime.
– Game 3: Montreal lost 3-2.
– Game 4: Montreal won 3-2.
– Game 5: Montreal lost 4-3.
– Game 6: Montreal lost 2-1, ending their playoff run.
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## Player Statistics
### Skaters
| Player | Position | Games Played | Goals | Assists | Points | Plus/Minus | Penalty Minutes |
|——————|———-|————–|——-|———|——–|————|—————–|
| Saku Koivu | C | 82 | 18 | 36 | 54 | +7 | 26 |
| Max Pacioretty | LW | 82 | 21 | 18 | 39 | +3 | 34 |
| Andrei Markov | D | 82 | 10 | 34 | 44 | +5 | 40 |
| Tomas Plekanec | C | 82 | 18 | 27 | 45 | +2 | 24 |
| Brian Gionta | RW | 82 | 27 | 18 | 45 | -4 | 26 |
### Goaltenders
| Player | Games Played | Wins | Losses | OT/SO Losses | GAA | Save % | Shutouts |
|————–|————–|——|——–|————–|——|——–|———-|
| Carey Price | 53 | 27 | 18 | 6 | 2.44 | .917 | 4 |
| Jaroslav Halak | 29 | 12 | 15 | 4 | 2.88 | .902 | 1 |
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## Awards and Records
### Team Awards
– Carey Price was recognized for his outstanding goaltending performance and was a finalist for the Vezina Trophy.
– Max Pacioretty earned the Calder Memorial Trophy nomination as the league’s top rookie.
### Franchise Records
– Max Pacioretty set a new franchise record for most goals by a rookie in a single season with 21 goals.
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## Transactions
### Trades
– The Canadiens made several trades during the season to adjust their roster, including acquiring veteran players to bolster depth for the playoff push.
### Free Agent Signings
– The team signed free agents to improve their defensive and forward depth, focusing on players with playoff experience.
### Waivers and Releases
– Some players were placed on waivers or reassigned to the American Hockey League (AHL) affiliate, the Hamilton Bulldogs, to manage roster flexibility.
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## Farm Teams
### Hamilton Bulldogs (AHL)
The Hamilton Bulldogs served as the Canadiens’ primary minor league affiliate. The Bulldogs had a competitive season, developing prospects such as Louis Leblanc and other young players who would contribute to the Canadiens in future seasons.
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## Summary and Legacy
The 2009–10 Montreal Canadiens season was marked by a return to the playoffs after a one-year absence, demonstrating the team’s resilience and potential. While the first-round exit was disappointing, the emergence of young talent like Max Pacioretty and the solidification of Carey Price as a franchise goaltender provided optimism for the future. The season laid the groundwork for the Canadiens’ continued competitiveness in the NHL and reinforced their status as one of hockey’s storied franchises.
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**Meta Description:**
The 2009–10 Montreal Canadiens season saw the team return to the NHL playoffs, led by emerging stars and strong goaltending, though they were eliminated in the first round by the Washington Capitals. This season marked a key step in the franchise’s ongoing development.