2009–10 NHL season

The 2009–10 NHL season was the 93rd season of operation (92nd season of play) of the National Hockey League (NHL). It ran from October 1, 2009, including four games in Europe on October 2 and 3—until April 11, 2010, with the 2010 Stanley Cup playoffs running to June 9, 2010. A mid-season break from February 15 to February 28 occurred to allow participation of NHL players in the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver. Because of the Winter Olympics break, there was no NHL All-Star Game for 2010. The Stanley Cup Final saw the Chicago Blackhawks defeat the Philadelphia Flyers in six games, for their first championship since the 1960–61 season.

2009–10 NHL season
LeagueNational Hockey League
SportIce hockey
DurationOctober 1, 2009 – June 9, 2010
Number of games82
Number of teams30
Draft
Top draft pickJohn Tavares
Picked byNew York Islanders
Regular season
Presidents' TrophyWashington Capitals
Season MVPHenrik Sedin (Canucks)
Top scorerHenrik Sedin (Canucks)
Playoffs
Eastern championsPhiladelphia Flyers
  Eastern runners-upMontreal Canadiens
Western championsChicago Blackhawks
  Western runners-upSan Jose Sharks
Stanley Cup
ChampionsChicago Blackhawks
  Runners-upPhiladelphia Flyers
Conn Smythe TrophyJonathan Toews (Blackhawks)

League business

Salary cap

The salary cap was increased by a small amount for the 2009–10 season. It was set at $56.8 million, $100,000 higher than in the 2008–09 season. The salary floor was $40.8 million.[1]

Entry Draft
Main article: 2009 NHL Entry Draft

The Entry Draft was held June 26–27, 2009 at the Bell Centre in Montreal, Quebec. The New York Islanders chose John Tavares with the first overall pick. Other notable picks were Matt Duchene, Victor Hedman, Evander Kane and Oliver Ekman-Larsson.

New uniforms

Several teams (Calgary, Minnesota, Nashville, Florida and Colorado) debuted new third uniforms this season, while Philadelphia and Edmonton made their third uniform their primary home jersey, and Chicago made the jersey they wore for the previous season's Winter Classic their new alternate. The New Jersey Devils announced plans to play one game (March 17 against the Pittsburgh Penguins, the first anniversary of Martin Brodeur's record breaking 552nd win) wearing their 1982–1992 uniforms, albeit transferred onto the league's current RBK Edge jersey template. In addition, NHL officials had new uniforms, which debuted at the 2009 All-Star Game.

Television dispute

Prior to the season, a contract dispute between Versus (the NHL cable carrier for the United States) and satellite television supplier DirecTV blacked out Versus for 14 million satellite subscribers. Versus was restored to DirecTV in March 2010.[2] While negotiations were secret, it was reported by the media that the dispute was over the "slotting" of Versus with other channels. Versus was restored to DirecTV in the same tier of channels as the previous season. Versus President Jamie Davis confirmed that the dispute was necessary to get "the same level of distribution we had prior to be taken off the air".[3]

Phoenix Coyotes bankruptcy and sale

The Phoenix Coyotes' holding company, Dewey Ranch Hockey LLC, filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy. In a statement, Moyes announced that he had agreed in principle to sell the team to PSE Sports and Entertainment, headed by Research in Motion co-CEO Jim Balsillie, for $212.5 million.[4] As part of the deal, Balsillie intended to move the Coyotes to Hamilton, Ontario.[5] Although initial reports said that Balsillie was considering Kitchener as well,[6] Hamilton already has an NHL-sized arena in place, Copps Coliseum, and Balsillie was already in talks with city officials to secure a lease for the arena.[5] Hamilton had previously bid for an NHL team in the 1990s, losing out to Ottawa. Balsillie had previously made unsuccessful approaches to purchase the Pittsburgh Penguins and Nashville Predators, with the intent of relocating either team to Hamilton.[7]

The NHL opposed the bankruptcy and the matter went to Phoenix bankruptcy court. Two other potential bidders for the team emerged, Jerry Reinsdorf, owner of the Chicago White Sox and Ice Edge Holdings. Bankruptcy hearings were held from May until September. Reinsdorf and Ice Edge did not bid for the team, and the NHL put in the only rival bid for the team at court.

In September, a Phoenix bankruptcy court rejected offers from the NHL and Jim Balsillie, ending Balsillie's plan to move the Coyotes to Hamilton. The NHL's offer was rejected because it left out creditors Jerry Moyes and Wayne Gretzky. On Balsillie's offer, Judge Redfield T. Baum refused to sanction the use of bankruptcy to force relocation of a franchise on a league. Gretzky, who was head coach of the team for the previous four seasons, stayed away from training camp and was replaced. The Coyotes played their first home game to a sell-out; however, attendance was lower at other games in the month of October. Later in the month, the NHL and Moyes came to a tentative agreement to transfer ownership of the Coyotes to the NHL.

In December, the NHL announced that Ice Edge Holdings, a partnership of Canadians and Phoenix-area businessmen, had signed a letter of intent with the NHL to purchase the Coyotes. Ice Edge, which plans to keep the team in Phoenix, plans to play five Coyotes home games in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, each season as part of a five-year plan to return the Coyotes to profitability. Ice Edge would still have to negotiate a lease agreement with the City of Glendale, and have its ownership approved by the NHL Board of Governors.[8]

On March 6, the NHL launched a lawsuit for $61 million against former Coyotes owner Jerry Moyes to recover $10 million in bankruptcy court costs, $20 million in losses for 2009–10 and $11.6 million owed to creditors.[9] Three weeks later, the Coyotes clinched their first playoff berth since 2002.[10]

On April 13, Glendale, Arizona City Council approved a lease and sale agreement with Jerry Reinsdorf to take over the Coyotes and their lease of the Jobing.com Arena. The Council rejected the Ice Edge group. The agreement created a special tax district surrounding the arena. Businesses in that district would pay $47 million annually to support the team. The agreement gave Reinsdorf the option to move the team after five years if revenues were not up to expectations. Former Coyotes CEO Jeff Shumway criticized the deal, saying that the team would not have gone bankrupt if the same deal had been available two years earlier. Reinsdorf's bid, which paid the NHL $65 million for the team, needed approval by the league board of governors.[11]

Pre-season

The 2009–10 pre-season for most teams started on September 14, 2009.

2009 Kraft Hockeyville

Since 2006, Kraft Foods has sponsored a sweepstakes called Kraft Hockeyville, in which various small cities across Canada compete against each other with the hopes of winning the privilege of having an NHL pre-season game played in a local sports complex or arena, along with a hockey festival named the Stanley Cup Jamboree. The 2009 winner was the city of Terrace, British Columbia. The pre-season matchup was between the home town favorite Vancouver Canucks and the New York Islanders.

Victoria Cup
Main article: 2009 Victoria Cup

The Victoria Cup, which was held in Zürich, Switzerland, on September 29, 2009, just prior to the regular-season games, was contested between ZSC Zurich Lions and the NHL's Chicago Blackhawks. The game was won by Zurich 2–1.

Regular season

Four teams (Blackhawks, Blues, Panthers and Red Wings) began their season in the NHL Premiere series, each playing two regular-season games in Europe. The Red Wings played the Blues in Stockholm, Sweden, at Ericsson Globe while the Blackhawks and Panthers played in Helsinki, Finland, at Hartwall Areena on October 2 and October 3.[12] This is the second-straight season that Sweden has hosted an NHL regular season game, and the third season of the Premiere series, in which NHL regular season games are held in Europe. Unlike in previous years, the European games are not the inaugural games, as the regular season began October 1 in North America.

The Avalanche, picked by many in the media to finish last in the Western Conference, instead roared to a 10–2–2 mark for the month of October to lead the Western Conference, partly on the strong play of Craig Anderson in net and rookies Ryan O'Reilly and Matt Duchene. The Coyotes, who were also not expected to make the playoffs, started strongly. The team had signed some veterans and demoted some young players to the minors. The Coyotes surprised the Stanley Cup champion Penguins 3–0 in Pittsburgh.

In the Eastern Conference, the Penguins had the best record after the first month. Teams playing at a higher level than predicted included the Sabres, which led the Northeast Division through most of October. On the other end of the scale, 2009 Conference finalist Hurricanes had a 2–8–3 record for October, the worst in franchise history.

Two streaks came to an end in November. The Devils won nine games in a row on the road to start the season, one short of the league record set in the 2006–07 season by the Sabres, before losing in Philadelphia to the Flyers. The Hurricanes lost a franchise-high 14 games in a row before defeating the Wild in a shootout on November 15. The streak included overtime and shootout losses.

The 2009 flu pandemic hit the Oilers hard with several players out for stretches in October. The Flames received their flu shots ahead of the general public, causing an Alberta health official to be fired. The Maple Leafs and the Canucks teams both had members of their staff "jump the queue" and receive flu shots ahead of the general public and were criticized in the media.

In December, Shane Doan of the Coyotes played his 1,000th game in a 2–1 shootout win over the Blue Jackets. On December 21, New Jersey Devils goaltender Martin Brodeur recorded his 104th shutout, breaking a record set by Terry Sawchuk during the 1969–70 NHL season.[13]

Three head coaches lost their positions in mid-season. Despite being early favorites for the Stanley Cup, the Philadelphia Flyers were 13–11–1 and 10th in the Eastern Conference when John Stevens was fired on December 4, 2009.[14] On January 2, 2010, the Blues fired Head Coach Andy Murray. In 2008–09, the Blues had made the playoffs but struggled during 2009–10. Davis Payne was named interim head coach.[15] One month later, on February 3, 2010, the Blue Jackets, unhappy with their slide in the standings after a good start, fired defensive-minded Head Coach Ken Hitchcock. Although the slide had started months previous, team management had given time to Hitchcock to resolve the situation before firing him.[16]

Player trades started in earnest a month before the March 3, 2010, trade deadline. On January 31, the Maple Leafs made two large trades, getting Dion Phaneuf from the Flames in a seven-player trade, and Jean-Sebastien Giguere from the Ducks for two players. The Flames were not done, trading Olli Jokinen to the Rangers the next day. After top scorer and pending free agent Ilya Kovalchuk turned down a $101 million contract offer from the Thrashers, he was traded to the Devils on February 4.[17]

On February 5, Boston investment banker Jeff Vinik agreed to buy the Lightning from owners OK Hockey, headed by Oren Koules and Len Barrie. The sale price was not disclosed, although the media speculated it was much less than the US$206 million that OK Hockey paid. The purchase was contingent on the approval of the NHL Board of Governors.[18]

On February 8, Canadiens' General Manager Bob Gainey announced his retirement as GM, staying on as advisor to the club. Assistant GM Pierre Gauthier became the interim GM. Gauthier and Coach Jacques Martin held the same positions with the Senators in the late 1990s.[19]

From 3 pm EST on February 12 until 11:59 pm on Feb. 28, teams were not permitted to make any trades, since many NHL players were competing at the 2010 Winter Olympics.[20] The March 3 trade deadline produced 31 trades involving 55 players, the largest number in NHL history. The most active team was the Coyotes, who were involved in seven deals. Unlike previous seasons, the Coyotes were in a playoff position at the trade deadline and were "buyers" of players rather than "sellers" (that is, they were looking to acquire key players to give the team a chance in the playoffs, rather than trading away players to other teams seeking playoff success). Only the Dallas Stars and Philadelphia Flyers did not make any trades between March 1 (after the Olympic roster freeze was lifted) and the trade deadline on March 3 at 3:00 pm EST.

On April 8, 2010, the Pittsburgh Penguins defeated the New York Islanders 7-3 in the final regular season game at Mellon Arena. The Penguins would move to CONSOL Energy Center for the next season.

Final standings

GP = Games Played, W = Wins, L = Losses, OTL = Overtime/Shootout Losses, GF = Goals For, GA = Goals Against, Pts = Points

bold – Qualified for playoffs; y – Won division

Eastern Conference

p – Won Presidents' Trophy (and division)

Eastern Conference[21]
R Div GP W L OTL GF GA Pts
1 p – Washington CapitalsSE82541513318233121
2 y – New Jersey DevilsAT8248277222191103
3 y – Buffalo SabresNE82452710235207100
4 Pittsburgh PenguinsAT8247287257237101
5 Ottawa SenatorsNE824432622523894
6 Boston BruinsNE8239301320620091
7 Philadelphia FlyersAT824135623622588
8 Montreal CanadiensNE8239331021722388
8.5
9 New York RangersAT8238331122221887
10 Atlanta ThrashersSE8235341323425683
11 Carolina HurricanesSE8235371023025680
12 Tampa Bay LightningSE8234361221726080
13 New York IslandersAT8234371122226479
14 Florida PanthersSE8232371320824477
15 Toronto Maple LeafsNE8230381421426774

bold – Qualified for playoffs; y – Won division; p – Won Presidents' Trophy (and division)

AT – Atlantic Division, NE – Northeast Division, SE – Southeast Division

Western Conference
Western Conference[21]
R GP W L OTL GF GA Pts
1 z – San Jose Sharks82512011264215113
2 y – Chicago Blackhawks8252228271209112
3 y – Vancouver Canucks8249285272222103
4 Phoenix Coyotes8250257225202107
5 Detroit Red Wings82442414229216102
6 Los Angeles Kings8246279241219101
7 Nashville Predators8247296225225100
8 Colorado Avalanche824330924423395
8.5
9 St. Louis Blues8240321022522390
10 Calgary Flames8240321020421090
11 Anaheim Ducks8239321123825189
12 Dallas Stars8237311423725488
13 Minnesota Wild823836821924684
14 Columbus Blue Jackets8232351521625979
15 Edmonton Oilers822747821428462

bold – Qualified for playoffs; y – Won division; z – Won conference (and division)

Tiebreaking procedures

If two or more clubs are tied in points during the regular season, the ranking of the clubs is determined in the following order: [22]

  1. The fewer number of games played.
  2. The greater number of games won.
  3. The greater number of points earned in games between the tied clubs. If two clubs are tied, and have not played an equal number of home games against each other, points earned in the first game played in the city that had the extra game shall not be included. If more than two clubs are tied, the higher percentage of available points earned in games among those clubs, and not including any "odd" games, shall be used to determine the standing.
  4. The greater differential between goals for and against for the entire regular season.

Special events

The Avalanche retired 19, the number of Joe Sakic, at their home opener on October 1. The Canadiens celebrated their centennial on December 4 and retired the number 3 for Emile Bouchard and number 16 for Elmer Lach (which was already previously retired for Henri Richard). The Phoenix Coyotes retired 27, the number of Teppo Numminen at their home game.

Winter Classic
Main article: 2010 NHL Winter Classic

On July 15, 2009, the NHL announced that the third installment of the Winter Classic would take place on January 1, 2010, at Fenway Park in Boston, with the Bruins hosting the Flyers. Because the NHL did not host an All-Star Game in the 2009–10 season due to the 2010 Olympics, this became the league's showcase event. The Bruins won the game 2–1 in overtime. Marco Sturm scored the game-winning overtime goal, after the Bruins were initially down 1–0 in regulation. After the game, the roster of the United States men's hockey team for the 2010 Winter Olympics was released, which included Bruins' goaltender Tim Thomas.

Olympics
Main article: Ice hockey at the 2010 Winter Olympics – Men's tournament

The NHL did not hold an All-Star Game this season. Instead, many of the league's players participated in the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver, British Columbia. The Olympic men's ice hockey tournament ran from February 16 to February 28, 2010. It was the first time since the NHL allowed its players to compete in the Olympics that the Winter Olympics were held in an NHL market, as well as the first to use an NHL-sized ice rink (as opposed to the bigger one normally used for international play). General Motors Place, the Canucks' home arena, was the primary ice hockey venue for the Olympics, and was formally called Canada Hockey Place. The temporary name change reflects the International Olympic Committee policy against selling or promoting naming rights for its competition venues. Another example of this policy is that the ice surface and dasher boards had their advertisements removed.[23] The Canadian team won gold, the American team won silver, and the Finnish team won bronze. At the end of the tournament, United States goaltender Ryan Miller was named Tournament MVP.

In order to prepare General Motors Place for the Olympics, the Canucks were required to face the longest road trip in NHL history, playing 14 straight road games from January 27 to March 13, 2010[23][24]

Attendance
HP Pavilion
Scotiabank Place
Nationwide Arena
Madison Square Garden
TeamArenaHome GamesAverage AttendanceTotal AttendanceCapacity Percentage
Montreal CanadiensBell Centre4121,273872,193100.0% [25]
Chicago BlackhawksUnited Center4021,356854,267108.3%
Detroit Red WingsJoe Louis Arena4019,535800,96697.4%
Calgary FlamesPengrowth Saddledome4119,289790,849100.0%
Toronto Maple LeafsAir Canada Centre4119,260789,681102.5%
Philadelphia FlyersWachovia Center4119,546781,847100.2%
Vancouver CanucksGM Place4118,810771,210102.1%
Buffalo SabresHSBC Arena4118,529759,69599.1%
St. Louis BluesScottrade Center4018,883755,32298.6%
Minnesota WildXcel Energy Center4118,415755,055101.9%
Washington CapitalsVerizon Center4118,277749,357100.0%
Ottawa SenatorsScotiabank Place4118,269749,06198.8%
New York RangersMadison Square Garden4118,076741,12899.3%
San Jose SharksHP Pavilion at San Jose4117,558719,904100.4%
Los Angeles KingsStaples Center4117,313709,85393.6%
Dallas StarsAmerican Airlines Center4117,215705,81792.9%
Pittsburgh PenguinsMellon Arena4117,078700,211100.7%
Boston BruinsTD Garden4117,388695,54399.0%
Edmonton OilersRexall Place4116,839690,399100.0%
New Jersey DevilsPrudential Center4115,535636,97588.1%
Tampa Bay LightningSt. Pete Times Forum4115,497635,38878.4%
Columbus Blue JacketsNationwide Arena4115,416632,08685.0%
Carolina HurricanesRBC Center4115,240624,87381.4%
Anaheim DucksHonda Center4115,168621,90388.3%
Nashville PredatorsBridgestone Arena4114,979614,14387.5%
Florida PanthersBankAtlantic Center4015,146605,86378.7%
Colorado AvalanchePepsi Center4113,947571,84977.5%
Atlanta ThrashersPhilips Arena4113,607557,89773.4%
New York IslandersNassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum4112,735522,16878.1%
Phoenix CoyotesJobing.com Arena4111,989491,55868.5%

Notes
  • Totals do not include two regular-season opening games played in Europe. The Detroit Red Wings played the St. Louis Blues at the Ericsson Globe in Stockholm, Sweden, and the Chicago Blackhawks played the Florida Panthers at Hartwall Areena in Helsinki, Finland.
  • The Pittsburgh Penguins began play in their new arena (Consol Energy Center) on Wednesday, September 22, 2010. With a larger capacity, more luxury seating, and better amenities than their former home Mellon Arena, the Penguins are expected to have a larger average and overall attendance record in the 2010–11 season.[26]
  • As of July 6, 2010, Vancouver's GM Place was renamed Rogers Arena.[27]

Playoffs
Main article: 2010 Stanley Cup playoffs
The Stanley Cup

After the regular season, the standard of 16 teams qualified for the playoffs. The Washington Capitals won the Presidents' Trophy for having the best record in the league, at 121 points. Division champions maintained their relative ranking during the entire playoffs while the remaining teams were reseeded below them after each round.

These playoffs featured a rare event in professional sports, as the Flyers emerged from trailing three games to none against the Boston Bruins, and then after trailing three goals to none in game seven, they came back to win game seven and the series 4–3.

Stanley Cup Final
Main article: 2010 Stanley Cup Finals

The Chicago Blackhawks won their first Stanley Cup since 1961, defeating the Philadelphia Flyers in six games. Their overtime win in Game 6 marked the first time that the Cup was won in overtime since the New Jersey Devils in 2000.

Playoff bracket

In each round, the highest remaining seed in each conference is matched against the lowest remaining seed. The higher-seeded team is awarded home ice advantage. In the Stanley Cup Final series, home ice is determined based on regular season points. Each best-of-seven series follows a 2–2–1–1–1 format: the higher-seeded team plays at home for games one and two (plus five and seven if necessary), and the lower-seeded team is at home for games three and four (and if necessary, game six).

  Conference Quarterfinals Conference Semifinals Conference Finals Stanley Cup Finals
                                     
1 Washington 3     4 Pittsburgh 3  
8 Montreal 4     8 Montreal 4  
2 New Jersey 1 Eastern Conference
7 Philadelphia 4  
    8 Montreal 1  
  7 Philadelphia 4  
3 Buffalo 2  
6 Boston 4  
4 Pittsburgh 4   6 Boston 3
5 Ottawa 2     7 Philadelphia 4  
  E7 Philadelphia 2
(Pairings are re-seeded after the first round.)
  W2 Chicago 4
1 San Jose 4     1 San Jose 4
8 Colorado 2     5 Detroit 1  
2 Chicago 4
7 Nashville 2  
  1 San Jose 0
  2 Chicago 4  
3 Vancouver 4  
6 Los Angeles 2   Western Conference
4 Phoenix 3   2 Chicago 4
5 Detroit 4     3 Vancouver 2  
  • During the first three rounds home ice is determined by seeding number, not position on the bracket. In the Finals the team with the better regular season record has home ice.

NHL awards
2009–10 NHL awards
AwardRecipient(s)
Stanley CupChicago Blackhawks
Presidents' TrophyWashington Capitals
Prince of Wales Trophy
(Eastern Conference playoff champion)		Philadelphia Flyers
Clarence S. Campbell Bowl
(Western Conference playoff champion)		Chicago Blackhawks
Art Ross TrophyHenrik Sedin (Vancouver Canucks)
Bill Masterton Memorial TrophyJose Theodore (Washington Capitals)
Calder Memorial TrophyTyler Myers (Buffalo Sabres)
Conn Smythe TrophyJonathan Toews (Chicago Blackhawks)
Frank J. Selke TrophyPavel Datsyuk (Detroit Red Wings)
Hart Memorial TrophyHenrik Sedin (Vancouver Canucks)
Jack Adams AwardDave Tippett (Phoenix Coyotes)
James Norris Memorial TrophyDuncan Keith (Chicago Blackhawks)
King Clancy Memorial TrophyShane Doan (Phoenix Coyotes)
Lady Byng Memorial TrophyMartin St. Louis (Tampa Bay Lightning)
Ted Lindsay AwardAlexander Ovechkin (Washington Capitals)
Maurice 'Rocket' Richard TrophySidney Crosby (Pittsburgh Penguins)
Steven Stamkos (Tampa Bay Lightning)
NHL General Manager of the Year AwardDon Maloney (Phoenix Coyotes)
Vezina TrophyRyan Miller (Buffalo Sabres)
William M. Jennings TrophyMartin Brodeur (New Jersey Devils)
Lester Patrick TrophyDave Andrews, Cam Neely, Jack Parker, Jerry York

Player statistics

Scoring leaders

The following players led the league in points at the conclusion of the regular season. GP = Games played; G = Goals; A = Assists; Pts = Points; +/– = Plus/minus; PIM = Penalty minutes

Player Team GP G A Pts +/– PIM
Henrik SedinVancouver Canucks822983112+3548
Alexander OvechkinWashington Capitals725059109+4589
Sidney CrosbyPittsburgh Penguins815158109+1569
Nicklas BackstromWashington Capitals823368101+3750
Steven StamkosTampa Bay Lightning82514495−238
Martin St. LouisTampa Bay Lightning82296594−812
Brad RichardsDallas Stars80246791−1214
Joe ThorntonSan Jose Sharks79206989+1754
Patrick KaneChicago Blackhawks82305888+1620
Marian GaborikNew York Rangers76424486+1537

Source: NHL[28]

Leading goaltenders

The following goaltenders led the league in goals against average at the end of the regular season.[29]

GP = Games played; Min = Minutes played; W = Wins; L = Losses; OT = Overtime/shootout losses; GA = Goals against; SO = Shutouts; SV% = Save percentage; GAA = Goals against average

Player Team GP Min W L OT GA SO SV% GAA
Tuukka RaskBoston Bruins452,562:1122125845.9311.97
Ryan MillerBuffalo Sabres694,047:10411881505.9292.22
Martin BrodeurNew Jersey Devils774,499:01452561689.9162.24
Antti NiemiChicago Blackhawks392,190:282674827.9122.25
Jimmy HowardDetroit Red Wings633,740:153715101413.9242.26
Ilya BryzgalovPhoenix Coyotes694,084:27422061568.9202.29
Miikka KiprusoffCalgary Flames734,235:193528101634.9202.31
Henrik LundqvistNew York Rangers734,203:493527101674.9212.38
Jaroslav HalakMontreal Canadiens452,629:56261351055.9242.40
Evgeni NabokovSan Jose Sharks714,194:074416101703.9222.43

Coaches

Eastern Conference

Western Conference

Milestones

First games

The following is a list of players of note who played their first NHL game in 2009–10, listed with their first team:

Last games

The following is a list of players of note who played their last NHL game in 2009–10, listed with their team:

PlayerTeamNotability
Rob Blake[30]San Jose Sharks1-time Stanley Cup champion with the Colorado Avalanche, 6-time NHL All-Star, James Norris Memorial Trophy winner, Olympic gold medalist, over 1,200 games played.
Donald Brashear[31]New York RangersOver 1000 games played.
Rod Brind'Amour[32]Carolina Hurricanes1-time Stanley Cup champion with the Hurricanes, 2-time Frank J. Selke Trophy winner, NHL All-Star, over 1,400 games played.
Jonathan Cheechoo[33]Ottawa SenatorsMaurice "Rocket" Richard Trophy winner, 1-time NHL All-Star.
Chris Chelios[34]Atlanta Thrashers3-time Stanley Cup champion with the Montreal Canadiens and Detroit Red Wings, 11-time NHL All-Star, 3-time James Norris Memorial Trophy winner, Olympic silver medalist, over 1,600 games played.
Pavol Demitra[35]Vancouver Canucks3-time NHL All-Star, Lady Byng Memorial Trophy winner.
Bill Guerin[36]Pittsburgh Penguins2-time Stanley Cup champion with New Jersey Devils and the Penguins, 4-time NHL All-Star, Olympic silver medalist, over 1,200 games played.
Cristobal Huet[37]Chicago Blackhawks1-time Stanley Cup champion with the Blackhawks, Roger Crozier Saving Grace Award winner, 1-time NHL All-Star.
Paul Kariya[38]St. Louis Blues7-time NHL All-Star, Lady Byng Memorial Trophy winner, Olympic gold medalist.
Robert Lang[39]Phoenix CoyotesOlympic gold and bronze medalist; 1-time NHL All-Star.
Ian Laperriere[40]Philadelphia FlyersOver 1,000 games played.
Manny Legace[41]Carolina Hurricanes1-time Stanley Cup champion with the Detroit Red Wings, Olympic silver medalist, 1-time NHL All-Star.
Jere Lehtinen[42]Dallas Stars1-time Stanley Cup champion with the Stars, NHL All-Star, three-time Frank J. Selke Trophy winner.
Kirk Maltby[43]Detroit Red Wings4-time Stanley Cup champion with the Red Wings, over 1,000 games played.
Brad May[44]Detroit Red Wings1-time Stanley Cup champion with the Anaheim Ducks, over 1,000 games played.
Scott Niedermayer[45]Anaheim Ducks4-time Stanley Cup champion with the New Jersey Devils and Ducks, 5-time NHL All-Star, Conn Smythe Trophy winner, James Norris Memorial Trophy winner, Olympic gold medalist, over 1,200 games played.
Owen Nolan[46]Minnesota Wild4-time NHL All-Star, Olympic gold medalist, over 1,200 games played.
Miroslav Satan[47]Boston Bruins1-time Stanley Cup champion with the Pittsburgh Penguins, 2-time NHL All-Star, over 1000 games played.
Mathieu Schneider[48]Phoenix Coyotes2-time NHL All-Star; over 1200 games played.
Martin Skoula[49]New Jersey Devils1-time Stanley Cup champion with the Colorado Avalanche, 1-time NHL All-Star.
Darryl Sydor[50]St. Louis Blues2-time Stanley Cup champion with the Dallas Stars and Tampa Bay Lightning, 2-time NHL All-Star, over 1,200 games played.
Keith Tkachuk[51]St. Louis Blues5-time NHL All-Star, Olympic silver medalist, over 1,200 games played.
Aaron Ward[52]Anaheim Ducks3-time Stanley Cup champion with the Detroit Red Wings and Carolina Hurricanes.
Stephane Yelle[53]Colorado Avalanche2-time Stanley Cup winner with the Avalanche.

Hat tricks

See also

References
  • Dinger, Ralph, ed. (2011). The National Hockey League Official Guide & Record Book 2012. Toronto, ON: Dan Diamond & Associates. ISBN 978-1-894801-22-5.
Notes
  1. "2009–10 salary cap set at $56.8 million". NHL.com. June 26, 2009. Retrieved June 28, 2009.
  2. "Viewership is up as Versus, ESPN rights fight brews". Mediaweek. April 25, 2010. Archived from the original on April 29, 2010. Retrieved May 14, 2010.
  3. Perez, A.J. (April 19, 2010). "Versus President Jamie Davis Talks NHL, WEC and 3D". NHL. Archived from the original on April 22, 2010. Retrieved May 14, 2010.
  4. Phoenix Coyotes File for Bankruptcy
  5. http://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/news/story?id=4150580
  6. Balsillie offers $212.5M to bring Coyotes to Ontario
  7. Balsillie puts Bettman to the doofus test
  8. "Ice Edge laughing all the way to the bank?". Globe and Mail. Canada. December 18, 2009. Retrieved May 14, 2010.
  9. McGran, Kevin (March 9, 2010). "NHL sues ex-Coyotes owner for $61M". Toronto Star. Retrieved May 14, 2010.
  10. "Coyotes clinch first playoff berth since 2002". National Hockey League. March 27, 2010. Archived from the original on March 30, 2010. Retrieved May 14, 2010.
  11. Turner, Randy (April 14, 2010). "Steal of a deal gets nuttier: Reinsdorf gets $200K if it flops". Winnipeg Free Press. Archived from the original on April 20, 2010. Retrieved May 14, 2010.
  12. "4 NHL teams to start '09–10 season in Europe". CBC. February 19, 2009. Archived from the original on February 20, 2009. Retrieved February 19, 2009.
  13. Kreiser, John (December 22, 2009). "Martin Brodeur and Terry Sawchuk by the numbers". NHL.com. Archived from the original on December 15, 2009. Retrieved December 22, 2009.
  14. "Flyers Replace Stevens with Laviolette". Archived from the original on July 23, 2012. Retrieved June 24, 2010.
  15. "Payne Named Interim Head Coach". St. Louis Blues. January 2, 2010. Retrieved May 14, 2010.
  16. "Blue Jackets give Hitchcock boot". Toronto Sun. February 4, 2010. Retrieved February 4, 2010.
  17. "Kovalchuk a Devil". Sportsnet.ca. February 4, 2010.
  18. "Vinik agrees to buy Lightning". Sportsnet.ca. Associated Press. February 5, 2010.
  19. "Habs' Gainey to step down". Sportsnet.ca. February 8, 2010. Archived from the original on February 10, 2010. Retrieved February 8, 2010.
  20. Kimelman, Adam (February 12, 2010). "Few trades made before market closes for a while". National Hockey League. Retrieved May 14, 2010.
  21. "2009–2010 Standings by Conference". National Hockey League.
  22. "NHL tiebreaking procedures". ESPN. December 21, 2009. Retrieved June 4, 2010.
  23. Sekeres, Matthew (July 15, 2009). "Canucks take one for the Olympic team". Globe and Mail. Canada. Archived from the original on July 18, 2009. Retrieved July 16, 2009.
  24. "Olympics put Canucks on record road grind". CBC Sports. Canadian Press. July 16, 2009. Retrieved July 16, 2009.
  25. "2009-2010 NHL Attendance - National Hockey League - ESPN". Espn.go.com. Retrieved September 13, 2013.
  26. Leahy, Sean. "Photo Expedition: Consol Energy Center, new home of the Pens – Puck Daddy – NHL Blog – Yahoo! Sports". Sports.yahoo.com. Retrieved September 13, 2013.
  27. "GM Place renamed Rogers Arena – British Columbia – CBC News". Cbc.ca. July 6, 2010. Retrieved September 13, 2013.
  28. Dinger 2011, p. 157.
  29. "Player Stats: 2009–2010 Regular season: Goalie – Goals Against Average". National Hockey League. Retrieved May 14, 2010.
  30. Sharks defenceman Blake retires
  31. Ex-NHL tough guy Donald Brashear goes from jaw-breaker to stick-maker
  32. Rod Brind'Amour Announces Retirement
  33. Where Are They Now? The Jonathan Cheechoo Edition
  34. Chris Chelios retires after 27 NHL seasons
  35. Ex-Blue Pavol Demitra among 43 dead in plane crash
  36. Billy Guerin to Retire "As a Pittsburgh Penguin"
  37. Where Are They Now? – Cristobal Huet
  38. Paul Kariya announces retirement
  39. Catching Up With … Robert Lang
  40. http://flyers.nhl.com/club/news.htm?id=634553
  41. "Garth Murray, Manny Legace and Adam Mair Retire". Archived from the original on October 20, 2016. Retrieved September 9, 2016.
  42. Lehtinen Officially Retires From NHL
  43. "Red Wings' F Kirk Maltby to announce retirement after 16 NHL seasons". Archived from the original on July 28, 2014. Retrieved July 22, 2014.
  44. http://www.orilliapacket.com/2016/08/09/rally-raises-more-than-10k-for-charity
  45. Scott Niedermayer retires after brilliant career
  46. Owen Nolan announces retirement from NHL
  47. Former Sabres star Satan announces retirement
  48. From The Blue Line To The Boardroom: Mathieu Schneider enjoying role with NHLPA
  49. Former Avalanche Defenseman Martin Skoula Retires
  50. Darryl Sydor retires from NHL
  51. http://blues.nhl.com/club/news.htm?id=524403
  52. 3-time Stanley Cup winner Aaron Ward retires
  53. Stephane Yelle

Media related to 2009-2010 National Hockey League season at Wikimedia Commons

This article is issued from Wikipedia. The text is licensed under Creative Commons - Attribution - Sharealike. Additional terms may apply for the media files.