2011–12 Montreal Canadiens season

The 2011–12 Montreal Canadiens season was the team's 103rd season in franchise history and their 95th season in the National Hockey League (NHL) since the league was established on November 22, 1917. Finishing in last place in their respective division and conference, the Canadiens did not qualify for the 2012 Stanley Cup playoffs.

2011–12 Montreal Canadiens
Division	5th Northeast
Conference	15th Eastern
2011–12 record	31–35–16
Home record	16–15–10
Road record	15–20–6
Goals for	212
Goals against	226
Team information
General Manager	Pierre Gauthier (Oct.–Mar.) Vacant (Mar.–Apr.)
Coach	Jacques Martin (Oct.–Dec.) Randy Cunneyworth (Dec.–Apr.) (interim)
Captain	Brian Gionta
Alternate captains	Hal Gill (Oct.–Feb.) Andrei Markov Rotating (Feb.–Apr.)
Arena	Bell Centre
Average attendance	21,273 (100%[1]) Total: 872,193
Team leaders
Goals	Erik Cole (35)
Assists	David Desharnais (44)
Points	Max Pacioretty (65)
Penalty minutes	P. K. Subban (119)
Plus/minus	Josh Gorges (+14)
Wins	Carey Price (26)

Off-season

Heading into the off-season, Canadiens general manager Pierre Gauthier had certain issues to address. There were several unrestricted free agents on the team that included, most notably Jeff Halpern, Roman Hamrlik, Alex Auld, Brent Sopel, Hal Gill, James Wisniewski, Mathieu Darche 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. 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.

On the restricted free agent side, qualifying offers were made to Andrei Kostitsyn, Max Pacioretty, David Desharnais, Yannick Weber, Ryan White and Josh Gorges, and all were eventually re-signed. No qualifying offers were made to forwards Dustin Boyd, 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 from the Carolina Hurricanes to a four-year, $18 million contract. Their need for a capable back-up goaltender to periodically relieve Carey Price was also fulfilled when they signed free agent Peter Budaj from the Colorado Avalanche 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 to a one-year, two-way contract 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 (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, who was known for his aggressive, physical playing style.

Assistant Coach Kirk Muller, 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 announced that Muller had been hired as the head coach of their American Hockey League (AHL) affiliate, the Milwaukee Admirals. He would later fulfill his dream when on November 28, 2011, Muller became coach of the Carolina Hurricanes, taking over for Paul Maurice.[2]

Following Muller's departure, GM Pierre Gauthier announced the appointment of Randy Cunneyworth and Randy Ladouceur as assistant coaches. Cunneyworth and Ladouceur were coach and assistant coach respectfully for the Canadiens's AHL affiliate, the Hamilton Bulldogs, 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.[3] 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 at the Air Canada Centre. During the game, newly acquired defenceman Chris Campoli 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 at the MTS Centre, 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. This coincided with Lars Eller'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 for forward Petteri Nokelainen and defenceman Garrett Stafford.

The team would go on to a six-game losing streak and five-game losing streak at home until defeating the Philadelphia Flyers 5–1 on October 26, 2011, at the Bell Centre.[4] Prior to the game, the Canadiens relieved Assistant Coach Perry Pearn of his duties, offering him another position in the organization, which he declined.[3] Pearn was replaced behind the bench by Randy Ladouceur, 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 Carolina Hurricanes on November 16 and the New York Rangers on November 19.

Max Pacioretty was suspended by NHL disciplinarian Brendan Shanahan for three games following a questionable hit on Pittsburgh Penguins defenceman Kris Letang 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 on November 30 in a 4–1 loss to the Anaheim Ducks.

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 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.

Chris Campoli returned to action on December 13 against the New York Islanders. 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.[5] 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 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 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 did so against the Philadelphia Flyers 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 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 to find out that he had been traded to the Calgary Flames, along with goaltender Karri Ramo and a fifth round pick in 2012. In exchange, Montreal received forwards Rene Bourque, Patrick Holland and a second-round pick in 2013. 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 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 Hal Gill and a conditional 2013 fifth-round draft pick to the Nashville Predators 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.

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 Andrei Kostitsyn. They also claimed via re-entry waivers enforcer Brad Staubitz from the Minnesota Wild. Despite rumors to the contrary, Travis Moen 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.

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

Erik Cole 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 officially relieved Pierre Gauthier of his duties as general manager.[6] Bob Gainey was also let go of his duties as special advisor to the GM. Molson further announced that former Habs GM Serge Savard 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.

Playoffs

The Canadiens missed the Stanley Cup playoffs for the first time since 2007.

Standings

Northeast Division

Pos	Team	GP	W	L	OTL	ROW	GF	GA	GD	Pts
1	y – Boston Bruins	82	49	29	4	40	269	202	+67	102
2	x – Ottawa Senators	82	41	31	10	35	249	240	+9	92
3	Buffalo Sabres	82	39	32	11	32	218	230	−12	89
4	Toronto Maple Leafs	82	35	37	10	31	231	264	−33	80
5	Montreal Canadiens	82	31	35	16	26	212	226	−14	78

Source: National Hockey League
x – Clinched playoff spot; y – Clinched division.

Eastern Conference

Pos	Div	Team	GP	W	L	OTL	ROW	GF	GA	GD	Pts
1	AT	z – New York Rangers	82	51	24	7	47	226	187	+39	109
2	NE	y – Boston Bruins	82	49	29	4	40	269	202	+67	102
3	SE	y – Florida Panthers	82	38	26	18	32	203	227	−24	94
4	AT	x – Pittsburgh Penguins	82	51	25	6	42	282	221	+61	108
5	AT	x – Philadelphia Flyers	82	47	26	9	43	264	232	+32	103
6	AT	x – New Jersey Devils	82	48	28	6	36	228	209	+19	102
7	SE	x – Washington Capitals	82	42	32	8	38	222	230	−8	92
8	NE	x – Ottawa Senators	82	41	31	10	35	249	240	+9	92
9	NE	Buffalo Sabres	82	39	32	11	32	218	230	−12	89
10	SE	Tampa Bay Lightning	82	38	36	8	35	235	281	−46	84
11	SE	Winnipeg Jets	82	37	35	10	33	225	246	−21	84
12	SE	Carolina Hurricanes	82	33	33	16	32	213	243	−30	82
13	NE	Toronto Maple Leafs	82	35	37	10	31	231	264	−33	80
14	AT	New York Islanders	82	34	37	11	27	203	255	−52	79
15	NE	Montreal Canadiens	82	31	35	16	26	212	226	−14	78

Source: National Hockey League
x – Clinched playoff spot; y – Clinched division; z – Clinched conference.

Schedule and results

Pre-season

2011 Pre-season game log

#	Date	Opponent	Score	Decision	Location	Attendance	Record	Recap
1	September 20	Dallas Stars	3–6	Price	Montreal	21,273	0–1–0	[7]
2	September 21	Buffalo Sabres	1–3	Mayer	Montreal	21,273	0–2–0	[8]
3	September 23	Ottawa Senators	4–3 SO	Lawson	Ottawa	17,853	1–2–0	[9]
4	September 24	Ottawa Senators	2–3	Price	Montreal	21,273	1–3–0	[10]
5	September 25	Boston Bruins	3–7	Budaj	Halifax	10,595	1–4–0	[11]
6	September 26	Boston Bruins	1–2	Price	Montreal	21,273	1–5–0	[12]
7	September 29	Tampa Bay Lightning	0–4	Budaj	Montreal	21,273	1–6–0	[13]
8	October 1	Tampa Bay Lightning	5–1	Price	Quebec City	15,176	2–6–0	[14]

Regular season

2011–12 Game Log
October: 4–5–2, 10 Points (Home: 2–3–2; Road: 2–2–0) # Date Opponent Score Decision Location Attendance Record Points Recap 1 October 6 @ Toronto Maple Leafs 0–2 Price Air Canada Centre 19,606 0–1–0 0 [15] 2 October 9 @ Winnipeg Jets 5–1 Price MTS Centre 15,004 1–1–0 2 [16] 3 October 13 Calgary Flames 1–4 Price Bell Centre 21,273 1–2–0 2 [17] 4 October 15 Colorado Avalanche 5–6 SO Price Bell Centre 21,273 1–2–1 3 [18] 5 October 18 Buffalo Sabres 1–3 Price Bell Centre 21,273 1–3–1 3 [19] 6 October 20 @ Pittsburgh Penguins 1–3 Price Consol Energy Center 18,403 1–4–1 3 [20] 7 October 22 Toronto Maple Leafs 4–5 OT Price Bell Centre 21,273 1–4–2 4 [21] 8 October 24 Florida Panthers 1–2 Budaj Bell Centre 21,273 1–5–2 4 [22] 9 October 26 Philadelphia Flyers 5–1 Price Bell Centre 21,273 2–5–2 6 [23] 10 October 27 @ Boston Bruins 2–1 Price TD Garden 17,565 3–5–2 8 [24] 11 October 29 Boston Bruins 4–2 Price Bell Centre 21,273 4–5–2 10 [25]
November: 6–6–2, 14 Points (Home: 2–2–2; Road: 4–4–0) # Date Opponent Score Decision Location Attendance Record Points Recap 12 November 4 @ Ottawa Senators 2–1 Price Scotiabank Place 20,329 5–5–2 12 [26] 13 November 5 @ New York Rangers 3–5 Price Madison Square Garden 18,200 5–6–2 12 [27] 14 November 8 Edmonton Oilers 1–3 Price Bell Centre 21,273 5–7–2 12 [28] 15 November 10 @ Phoenix Coyotes 3–2 OT Price Jobing.com Arena 14,138 6–7–2 14 [29] 16 November 12 @ Nashville Predators 2–1 OT Budaj Bridgestone Arena 17,113 7–7–2 16 [30] 17 November 14 Buffalo Sabres 2–3 SO Price Bell Centre 21,273 7–7–3 17 [31] 18 November 16 Carolina Hurricanes 4–0 Price Bell Centre 21,273 8–7–3 19 [32] 19 November 17 @ New York Islanders 3–4 Budaj Nassau Coliseum 9928 8–8–3 19 [33] 20 November 19 New York Rangers 4–0 Price Bell Centre 21,273 9–8–3 21 [34] 21 November 21 Boston Bruins 0–1 Price Bell Centre 21,273 9–9–3 21 [35] 22 November 23 @ Carolina Hurricanes 4–3 SO Price RBC Center 14,862 10–9–3 23 [36] 23 November 25 @ Philadelphia Flyers 1–3 Price Wells Fargo Center 19,991 10–10–3 23 [37] 24 November 26 Pittsburgh Penguins 3–4 OT Price Bell Centre 21,273 10–10–4 24 [38] 25 November 30 @ Anaheim Ducks 1–4 Budaj Honda Center 13,237 10–11–4 24 [39]
December: 4–7–3, 11 Points (Home: 1–2–2; Road: 3–5–1) # Date Opponent Score Decision Location Attendance Record Points Recap 26 December 1 @ San Jose Sharks 3–4 SO Price HP Pavilion 17,562 10–11–5 25 [40] 27 December 3 @ Los Angeles Kings 2–1 Price Staples Center 18,118 11–11–5 27 [41] 28 December 6 Columbus Blue Jackets 2–3 SO Price Bell Centre 21,273 11–11–6 28 [42] 29 December 8 Vancouver Canucks 3–4 SO Price Bell Centre 21,273 11–11–7 29 [43] 30 December 10 @ New Jersey Devils 2–1 Price Prudential Center 14,210 12–11–7 31 [44] 31 December 13 New York Islanders 5–3 Price Bell Centre 21,273 13–11–7 33 [45] 32 December 15 Philadelphia Flyers 3–4 Price Bell Centre 21,273 13–12–7 33 [46] 33 December 17 New Jersey Devils 3–5 Price Bell Centre 21,273 13–13–7 33 [47] 34 December 19 @ Boston Bruins 2–3 Price TD Garden 17,565 13–14–7 33 [48] 35 December 21 @ Chicago Blackhawks 1–5 Budaj United Center 22,081 13–15–7 33 [49] 36 December 22 @ Winnipeg Jets 0–4 Price MTS Centre 15,004 13–16–7 33 [50] 37 December 27 @ Ottawa Senators 6–2 Price Scotiabank Place 20,500 14–16–7 35 [51] 38 December 29 @ Tampa Bay Lightning 3–4 Price St. Pete Times Forum 19,204 14–17–7 35 [52] 39 December 31 @ Florida Panthers 2–3 Price BankAtlantic Center 20,098 14–18–7 35 [53]
January: 5–4–2, 12 Points (Home: 4–3–1; Road: 1–1–1) # Date Opponent Score Decision Location Attendance Record Points Recap 40 January 4 Winnipeg Jets 7–3 Price Bell Centre 21,273 15–18–7 37 [54] 41 January 7 Tampa Bay Lightning 3–1 Price Bell Centre 21,273 16–18–7 39 [55] 42 January 10 St. Louis Blues 0–3 Price Bell Centre 21,273 16–19–7 39 [56] 43 January 12 @ Boston Bruins 1–2 Price TD Garden 17,565 16–20–7 39 [57] 44 January 14 Ottawa Senators 2–3 SO Price Bell Centre 21,273 16–20–8 40 [58] 45 January 15 New York Rangers 4–1 Budaj Bell Centre 21,273 17–20–8 42 [59] 46 January 18 Washington Capitals 0–3 Price Bell Centre 21,273 17–21–8 42 [60] 47 January 20 @ Pittsburgh Penguins 4–5 SO Budaj Consol Energy Center 18,588 17–21–9 43 [61] 48 January 21 @ Toronto Maple Leafs 3–1 Price Air Canada Centre 19,643 18–21–9 45 [62] 49 January 25 Detroit Red Wings 7–2 Price Bell Centre 21,273 19–21–9 47 [63] 50 January 31 Buffalo Sabres 1–3 Price Bell Centre 21,273 19–22–9 47 [64]
February: 5–8–1, 11 Points (Home: 2–4–1; Road: 3–4–0) # Date Opponent Score Decision Location Attendance Record Points Recap 51 February 2 @ New Jersey Devils 3–5 Price Prudential Center 13,283 19–23–9 47 [65] 52 February 4 Washington Capitals 0–3 Budaj Bell Centre 21,273 19–24–9 47 [66] 53 February 5 Winnipeg Jets 3–0 Price Bell Centre 21,273 20–24–9 49 [67] 54 February 7 Pittsburgh Penguins 3–2 SO Price Bell Centre 21,273 21–24–9 51 [68] 55 February 9 @ New York Islanders 4–2 Price Nassau Coliseum 12,312 22–24–9 53 [69] 56 February 11 @ Toronto Maple Leafs 5–0 Price Air Canada Centre 19,685 23–24–9 55 [70] 57 February 13 Carolina Hurricanes 3–5 Price Bell Centre 21,273 23–25–9 55 [71] 58 February 15 Boston Bruins 3–4 SO Price Bell Centre 21,273 23–25–10 56 [72] 59 February 17 @ Buffalo Sabres 4–3 SO Price First Niagara Center 18,690 24–25–10 58 [73] 60 February 19 New Jersey Devils 1–3 Price Bell Centre 21,273 24–26–10 58 [74] 61 February 21 Dallas Stars 0–3 Price Bell Centre 21,273 24–27–10 58 [75] 62 February 24 @ Washington Capitals 1–4 Price Verizon Center 18,506 24–28–10 58 [76] 63 February 26 @ Florida Panthers 2–4 Budaj BankAtlantic Center 18,108 24–29–10 58 [77] 64 February 28 @ Tampa Bay Lightning 1–2 Price St. Pete Times Forum 18,878 24–30–10 58 [78]
March: 5–5–5, 15 Points (Home: 3–1–2; Road: 2–4–3) # Date Opponent Score Decision Location Attendance Record Points Recap 65 March 1 Minnesota Wild 5–4 SO Price Bell Centre 21,273 25–30–10 60 [79] 66 March 3 Toronto Maple Leafs 1–3 Price Bell Centre 21,273 25–31–10 60 [80] 67 March 6 @ Calgary Flames 4–5 Price Scotiabank Saddledome 19,289 25–32–10 60 [81] 68 March 8 @ Edmonton Oilers 5–4 Budaj Rexall Place 16,839 26–32–10 62 [82] 69 March 10 @ Vancouver Canucks 4–1 Price Rogers Arena 18,890 27–32–10 64 [83] 70 March 12 @ Buffalo Sabres 3–4 OT Budaj First Niagara Center 18,690 27–32–11 65 [84] 71 March 14 Ottawa Senators 3–2 SO Price Bell Centre 21,273 28–32–11 67 [85] 72 March 16 @ Ottawa Senators 1–2 OT Price Scotiabank Place 20,500 28–32–12 68 [86] 73 March 17 New York Islanders 2–3 SO Budaj Bell Centre 21,273 28–32–13 69 [87] 74 March 21 @ Buffalo Sabres 0–3 Price First Niagara Center 18,690 28–33–13 69 [88] 75 March 23 Ottawa Senators 5–1 Price Bell Centre 21,273 29–33–13 71 [89] 76 March 24 @ Philadelphia Flyers 1–4 Budaj Wells Fargo Center 19,931 29–34–13 71 [90] 77 March 27 Florida Panthers 2–3 SO Price Bell Centre 21,273 29–34–14 72 [91] 78 March 30 @ New York Rangers 1–4 Price Madison Square Garden 18,200 29–35–14 72 [92] 79 March 31 @ Washington Capitals 2–3 SO Budaj Verizon Center 18,506 29–35–15 73 [93]
April: 2–0–1, 5 Points (Home: 2–0–0; Road: 0–0–1) # Date Opponent Score Decision Location Attendance Record Points Recap 80 April 4 Tampa Bay Lightning 5–2 Budaj Bell Centre 21,273 30–35–15 75 [94] 81 April 5 @ Carolina Hurricanes 1–2 (SO) Budaj RBC Center 17,836 30–35–16 76 [95] 82 April 7 Toronto Maple Leafs 4–1 Budaj Bell Centre 21,273 31–35–16 78 [96] Legend:   Win   Loss   Overtime/shootout loss

Player statistics

Skaters

Regular Season Player GP G A Pts +/- PIM Max Pacioretty 79 33 32 65 2 56 Erik Cole 82 35 26 61 11 48 David Desharnais 81 16 44 60 10 24 Tomas Plekanec 81 17 35 52 −15 56 P. K. Subban 81 7 29 36 9 119 Lars Eller 79 16 12 28 −5 66 Andrei Kostitsyn^‡ 53 12 12 24 −8 16 Tomas Kaberle^† 43 3 19 22 −6 10 Michael Cammalleri^‡ 38 9 13 22 −6 10 Yannick Weber 60 4 14 18 −7 30 Travis Moen 48 9 7 16 −3 41 Josh Gorges 82 2 14 16 14 39 Raphael Diaz 59 3 13 16 −7 30 Brian Gionta 31 8 7 15 −7 16 Mathieu Darche 61 5 7 12 −4 18 Scott Gomez 38 2 9 11 −9 14 Chris Campoli 43 2 9 11 −3 8 Louis Leblanc 42 5 5 10 3 28 Rene Bourque^† 38 5 3 8 −16 27 Hal Gill^‡ 53 1 7 8 −7 29 Alexei Emelin 67 3 4 7 −18 30 Petteri Nokelainen 51 3 3 6 −5 37 Aaron Palushaj 38 1 4 5 1 8 Mike Blunden 39 2 2 4 −1 27 Andrei Markov 13 0 3 3 −4 4 Ryan White 20 0 3 3 −7 61 Frederic St. Denis 17 1 2 3 3 10 Jaroslav Spacek^‡ 12 0 3 3 2 2 Blake Geoffrion^† 13 2 0 2 2 10 Brad Staubitz^† 19 1 0 1 2 48 Gabriel Dumont 3 0 0 0 −1 0 Andreas Engqvist 12 0 0 0 −1 4

Goaltenders

Regular Season

Player	GP	TOI	W	L	OT	GA	GAA	SA	SV%	SO	G	A	PIM
Carey Price	65	3944	26	28	11	160	2.43	1914	.916	4	0	2	6
Peter Budaj	17	1037	5	7	5	44	2.55	508	.913	0	0	3	2

^†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.

Awards and records

Awards

Regular Season Player Award Awarded Carey Price[97] NHL First Star of the Week October 31, 2011 Carey Price[98] NHL First Star of the Week November 21, 2011

Milestones

Regular Season Player Milestone Reached Raphael Diaz 1st Career NHL Game October 6, 2011 Alexei Emelin 1st Career NHL Game October 9, 2011 Raphael Diaz 1st Career NHL Assist 1st Career NHL Point October 15, 2011 Andrei Kostitsyn 100th Career NHL Assist October 15, 2011 Raphael Diaz 1st Career NHL Goal October 18, 2011 Hal Gill 1,000th Career NHL Game October 20, 2011 Michael Cammalleri 500th Career NHL Game October 22, 2011 Carey Price 100th Career NHL Win October 26, 2011 Mathieu Darche 200th Career NHL Game October 30, 2011 Brian Gionta 200th Career NHL Assist November 5, 2011 Petteri Nokelainen 200th Career NHL Game November 5, 2011 Lars Eller 100th Career NHL Game November 16, 2011 Travis Moen 100th Career NHL Point November 16, 2011 Frederic St. Denis 1st Career NHL Game November 16, 2011 Erik Cole 400th Career NHL Point November 17, 2011 Tomas Plekanec 200th Career NHL Assist November 17, 2011 P. K. Subban 100th Career NHL Game November 21, 2011 Louis Leblanc 1st Career NHL Game November 30, 2011 Louis Leblanc 1st Career NHL Assist 1st Career NHL Point December 3, 2011 Alexei Emelin 1st Career NHL Assist 1st Career NHL Point December 6, 2011 Frederic St. Denis 1st Career NHL Goal 1st Career NHL Point December 8, 2011 Tomas Plekanec 500th Career NHL Game December 10, 2011 Michael Cammalleri 400th Career NHL Point December 13, 2011 Andrei Kostitsyn 200th Career NHL Point December 13, 2011 Chris Campoli 400th Career NHL Game December 15, 2011 Louis Leblanc 1st Career NHL Goal December 15, 2011 Josh Gorges 400th Career NHL Game December 22, 2011 Erik Cole 200th Career NHL Goal December 31, 2011 Alexei Emelin 1st Career NHL Goal January 25, 2012 David Desharnais 100th Career NHL Game February 2, 2012 Max Pacioretty 1st Career NHL Hat-trick February 9, 2012 Aaron Palushaj 1st Career NHL Assist 1st Career NHL Point February 5, 2012 Yannick Weber 100th Career NHL Game March 3, 2012 Max Pacioretty 100th Career NHL Point March 6, 2012 Brad Staubitz 200th Career NHL Game March 6, 2012 Scott Gomez 900th Career NHL Game March 8, 2012 Aaron Palushaj 1st Career NHL Goal March 17, 2012 Frederic St. Denis 1st Career NHL Assist March 27, 2012 Erik Cole 700th Career NHL Game April 4, 2012 Gabriel Dumont 1st Career NHL Game April 4, 2012 Max Pacioretty 200th Career NHL Game April 4, 2012

Final roster

Updated April 7, 2012.[99]

#	Nat	Player	Pos	S/G	Age	Acquired	Birthplace
45		Mike Blunden	RW	R	34	2011	Toronto, Ontario
27		Rene Bourque	LW	L	38	2012	Lac La Biche, Alberta
30		Peter Budaj	G	L	37	2011	Banská Bystrica, Czechoslovakia
17		Chris Campoli	D	L	36	2011	North York, Ontario
72		Erik Cole	RW	L	41	2011	Oswego, New York
52		Mathieu Darche	LW	L	43	2009	Montreal, Quebec
51		David Desharnais	C	L	33	2008	Quebec City, Quebec
61		Raphael Diaz	D	L	33	2011	Baar, Switzerland
81		Lars Eller	C	L	31	2010	Rødovre, Denmark
74		Alexei Emelin	D	L	34	2004	Togliatti, Soviet Union
21		Brian Gionta (C)	RW	R	41	2009	Rochester, New York
11		Scott Gomez	C	L	40	2009	Anchorage, Alaska
26		Josh Gorges	D	L	35	2007	Kelowna, British Columbia
22		Tomas Kaberle	D	L	42	2011	Rakovník, Czechoslovakia
79		Andrei Markov (A)	D	L	41	1998	Voskresensk, Soviet Union
32		Travis Moen	LW	L	38	2009	Stewart Valley, Saskatchewan
15		Petteri Nokelainen	C	R	34	2011	Imatra, Finland
67		Max Pacioretty	LW	L	31	2007	New Canaan, Connecticut
14		Tomas Plekanec	C	L	37	2001	Kladno, Czechoslovakia
31		Carey Price	G	L	32	2005	Anahim Lake, British Columbia
25		Brad Staubitz	RW	R	36	2012	Edmonton, Alberta
76		P. K. Subban	D	R	31	2007	Toronto, Ontario
68		Yannick Weber	D	R	31	2007	Morges, Switzerland
53		Ryan White	C	R	32	2006	Brandon, Manitoba

Transactions

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

Trades

Date	Details
June 25, 2011[100]	To Winnipeg Jets 3rd-round pick in 2011	To Montreal Canadiens 4th-round pick in 2011 4th-round pick in 2011
June 29, 2011[101]	To Columbus Blue Jackets James Wisniewski[lower-alpha 1]	To Montreal Canadiens Conditional 5th-round pick in 2012[lower-alpha 2]
July 7, 2011[102]	To Columbus Blue Jackets Ryan Russell	To Montreal Canadiens Mike Blunden
July 15, 2011[103]	To Anaheim Ducks Mathieu Carle	To Montreal Canadiens Mark Mitera
October 23, 2011[104]	To Phoenix Coyotes Brock Trotter 7th-round pick in 2012	To Montreal Canadiens Petteri Nokelainen Garrett Stafford
December 9, 2011[105]	To Carolina Hurricanes Jaroslav Spacek	To Montreal Canadiens Tomas Kaberle
January 12, 2012[106]	To Calgary Flames Michael Cammalleri Karri Ramo 5th-round pick in 2012	To Montreal Canadiens Rene Bourque Patrick Holland 2nd-round pick in 2013
February 17, 2012[107]	To Nashville Predators Hal Gill Conditional 5th-round pick in 2013[lower-alpha 3]	To Montreal Canadiens Blake Geoffrion Robert Slaney 2nd-round pick in 2012
February 27, 2012[108]	To Nashville Predators Andrei Kostitsyn	To Montreal Canadiens 2nd-round pick in 2013 Cancellation of 5th-round pick (formerly conditional) in 2013

Trade of negotiating rights to. Condition satisfied. Condition satisfied. Free agents acquired Player Former team Contract terms Raphael Diaz[109] EV Zug 1 year, $900,000 Peter Budaj[110] Colorado Avalanche 2 years, $2.3 million Erik Cole[111] Carolina Hurricanes 4 years, $18 million Brock Trotter[112] Dinamo Riga 1 year, $550,000 Peter Delmas[113] Wheeling Nailers 3 years, $1.825 million entry-level contract Nathan Lawson[114] New York Islanders 1 year, $525,000 Brian Willsie[115] Washington Capitals 1 year, $600,000 Jeff Woywitka[116] Dallas Stars 1 year, $650,000 Chris Campoli[117] Chicago Blackhawks 1 year, $1.75 million Joe Callahan[118] Florida Panthers 1 year, $550,000

Free agents lost Player New team Contract terms Dustin Boyd[119] Barys Astana undisclosed Nigel Dawes[119] Barys Astana undisclosed Kyle Klubertanz[120] Djurgardens IF 2 years Jeff Halpern[121] Washington Capitals 1 year, $875,000 J. T. Wyman[122] Tampa Bay Lightning 1 year, $525,000 Roman Hamrlik[123] Washington Capitals 2 years, $7 million Benoit Pouliot[124] Boston Bruins 1 year, $1.1 million Alex Auld[125] Ottawa Senators 1 year, $1 million Alexandre Picard[126] Pittsburgh Penguins 1 year, $600,000 Tom Pyatt[127] Tampa Bay Lightning 1 year, $525,000 Drew MacIntyre[128] Buffalo Sabres 1 year, $525,000 Brent Sopel[129] Metallurg Novokuznetsk 2 years

Claimed via waivers Player Former team Date claimed off waivers +Blair Betts[130] Philadelphia Flyers October 5, 2011 Brad Staubitz[131] Minnesota Wild February 27, 2012

+On October 9, NHL commissioner Gary Bettman 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.[132]

Lost via waivers

Player	New team	Date claimed off waivers
Jeff Woywitka[133]	New York Rangers	October 6, 2011

Player signings

Player	Date	Contract terms
Alexei Emelin[134]	May 17, 2011	1 year, $984,200 entry-level contract
Joonas Nattinen[135]	May 26, 2011	3 years, $1.895 million, entry-level contract
Hal Gill[136]	May 31, 2011	1 year, $2.25 million
Andrei Kostitsyn[137]	June 9, 2011	1 year, $3.25 million
Mathieu Darche[138]	June 10, 2011	1 year, $700,000
Max Pacioretty[139]	June 20, 2011	2 years, $3.25 million
David Desharnais[140]	June 20, 2011	2 years, $1.7 million
Andrei Markov[141]	June 23, 2011	3 years, $17.25 million
Yannick Weber[142]	June 29, 2011	2 years, $1.7 million
Ryan White[143]	July 13, 2011	1 year, $625,000
Frederic St. Denis[144]	July 15, 2011	1 year, $605,000
Josh Gorges[145]	July 22, 2011	1 year, $2.5 million
Jarred Tinordi[146]	November 2, 2011	3 years, $2.7 million entry-level contract
Brendan Gallagher[147]	November 16, 2011	3 years, $2.145 million entry-level contract
Michael Bournival[148]	December 21, 2011	3 years, $2.07 million entry-level contract
Josh Gorges[149]	January 1, 2012	6 years, $23.4 million contract extension
Morgan Ellis[150]	March 1, 2012	3 years, $1.92 million entry-level contract
Patrick Holland[151]	March 7, 2012	3 years, $1.92 million entry-level contract
Greg Pateryn[152]	March 28, 2012	2 years, $1.325 million entry-level contract
Nathan Beaulieu[153]	March 30, 2012	3 years, $2.775 million entry-level contract

Draft picks

Montreal's picks at the 2011 NHL Entry Draft in St. Paul, Minnesota.

Round	#	Player	Position	Nationality	College/junior/club team (league)
1	17	Nathan Beaulieu	Defence	Canada	Saint John Sea Dogs (QMJHL)
4	97 (from Winnipeg)	Josiah Didier	Defence	United States	Cedar Rapids RoughRiders (USHL)
4	108 (from Winnipeg)	Oliver Archambault	Left Wing	Canada	Val-d'Or Foreurs (QMJHL)
4	113 (from Anaheim)	Magnus Nygren	Defence	Sweden	Farjestad BK (Elitserien)
5	138	Darren Dietz	Defence	Canada	Saskatoon Blades (WHL)
6	168	Daniel Pribyl	Centre	Czech Republic	Sparta Prague Jr. (CZREP-JR.)
7	198	Colin Sullivan	Defence	United States	Avon Old Farms (USHS-MA)

See also

• 2011–12 NHL season

References

1. "2012–2013 NHL Attendance – National Hockey League – ESPN". ESPN. Retrieved March 23, 2013.
2. TSN.ca staff (November 28, 2011). "Hurricanes replace head coach Maurice with Muller". TSN.ca. Retrieved November 28, 2011.
3. "Canadiens fire assistant Perry Pearn". ESPN. Associated Press. October 26, 2011. Retrieved October 27, 2011.
4. "Montreal Canadiens snap losing streak with rout of Philadelphia Flyers". Montreal Gazette. October 26, 2011. Retrieved October 27, 2011.
5. Randy Cunneyworth named interim head coach of the Montreal Canadiens
6. Pierre Gauthier relieved from his duties
7. "Dallas wins preseason opener 6–3 in Montreal". Montreal, QC September 20, 2011: National Hockey League.CS1 maint: location (link)
8. "Sabres 3, Canadiens 1". Montreal, QC September 21, 2011: National Hockey League.CS1 maint: location (link)
9. "Canadiens 4, Senators 3 SO". Ottawa, ON September 23, 2011: National Hockey League.CS1 maint: location (link)
10. "Senators 3, Canadiens 2". Montreal, PQ September 24, 2011: National Hockey League.CS1 maint: location (link)
11. "Bruins 7, Canadiens 3". Halifax, NS September 25, 2011: National Hockey League.CS1 maint: location (link)
12. "Bruins rally in third, top Canadiens again". Montreal, PQ September 26, 2011: National Hockey League.CS1 maint: location (link)
13. "Lightning 4, Canadiens 0". Montreal, PQ September 29, 2011: National Hockey League.CS1 maint: location (link)
14. "Canadiens 5, Lightning 1". Quebec, PQ October 1, 2011: National Hockey League.CS1 maint: location (link)
15. http://www.nhl.com/ice/recap.htm?id=2011020002
16. http://www.nhl.com/ice/recap.htm?id=2011020023
17. http://www.nhl.com/ice/recap.htm?id=2011020040
18. http://www.nhl.com/ice/recap.htm?id=2011020050
19. http://www.nhl.com/ice/recap.htm?id=2011020072
20. http://www.nhl.com/ice/recap.htm?id=2011020082
21. http://www.nhl.com/ice/recap.htm?id=2011020098
22. http://www.nhl.com/ice/recap.htm?id=2011020111
23. http://www.nhl.com/ice/recap.htm?id=2011020122
24. http://www.nhl.com/ice/recap.htm?id=2011020125
25. http://www.nhl.com/ice/recap.htm?id=2011020143
26. http://www.nhl.com/ice/recap.htm?id=2011020180
27. http://www.nhl.com/ice/recap.htm?id=2011020188
28. http://www.nhl.com/ice/recap.htm?id=2011020206
29. http://www.nhl.com/ice/recap.htm?id=2011020219
30. http://www.nhl.com/ice/recap.htm?id=2011020235
31. http://www.nhl.com/ice/recap.htm?id=2011020245
32. http://www.nhl.com/ice/recap.htm?id=2011020256
33. http://www.nhl.com/ice/recap.htm?id=2011020261
34. http://www.nhl.com/ice/recap.htm?id=2011020278
35. http://www.nhl.com/ice/recap.htm?id=2011020294
36. http://www.nhl.com/ice/recap.htm?id=2011020305
37. http://www.nhl.com/ice/recap.htm?id=2011020315
38. http://www.nhl.com/ice/recap.htm?id=2011020331
39. http://www.nhl.com/ice/recap.htm?id=2011020357
40. http://www.nhl.com/ice/recap.htm?id=2011020365
41. http://www.nhl.com/ice/recap.htm?id=2011020372
42. http://www.nhl.com/ice/recap.htm?id=2011020394
43. http://www.nhl.com/ice/recap.htm?id=2011020411
44. http://www.nhl.com/ice/recap.htm?id=2011020421
45. http://www.nhl.com/ice/recap.htm?id=2011020443
46. http://www.nhl.com/ice/recap.htm?id=2011020454
47. http://www.nhl.com/ice/recap.htm?id=2011020468
48. http://www.nhl.com/ice/recap.htm?id=2011020481
49. http://www.nhl.com/ice/recap.htm?id=2011020495
50. http://www.nhl.com/ice/recap.htm?id=2011020504
51. http://www.nhl.com/ice/recap.htm?id=2011020531
52. http://www.nhl.com/ice/recap.htm?id=2011020545
53. http://www.nhl.com/ice/boxscore.htm?id=2011020559
54. http://www.nhl.com/ice/recap.htm?id=2011020580
55. http://www.nhl.com/ice/recap.htm?id=2011020604
56. http://www.nhl.com/ice/recap.htm?id=2011020622
57. http://www.nhl.com/ice/recap.htm?id=2011020631
58. http://www.nhl.com/ice/recap.htm?id=2011020650
59. http://www.nhl.com/ice/recap.htm?id=2011020660
60. http://www.nhl.com/ice/recap.htm?id=2011020681
61. http://www.nhl.com/ice/recap.htm?id=2011020695
62. http://www.nhl.com/ice/boxscore.htm?id=2011020702
63. http://www.nhl.com/ice/recap.htm?id=2011020735
64. http://www.nhl.com/ice/recap.htm?id=2011020741
65. http://www.nhl.com/ice/recap.htm?id=2011020755
66. http://www.nhl.com/ice/recap.htm?id=2011020769
67. http://www.nhl.com/ice/recap.htm?id=2011020782
68. http://www.nhl.com/ice/recap.htm?id=2011020790
69. http://www.nhl.com/ice/recap.htm?id=2011020802
70. http://www.nhl.com/ice/recap.htm?id=2011020822
71. http://www.nhl.com/ice/recap.htm?id=2011020835
72. http://www.nhl.com/ice/recap.htm?id=2011020847
73. http://www.nhl.com/ice/recap.htm?id=2011020860
74. http://www.nhl.com/ice/recap.htm?id=2011020877
75. http://www.nhl.com/ice/recap.htm?id=2011020889
76. http://www.nhl.com/ice/recap.htm?id=2011020910
77. http://www.nhl.com/ice/recap.htm?id=2011020929
78. http://www.nhl.com/ice/recap.htm?id=2011020942
79. http://www.nhl.com/ice/recap.htm?id=2011020951
80. http://www.nhl.com/ice/recap.htm?id=2011020966
81. http://www.nhl.com/ice/recap.htm?id=2011020993
82. http://www.nhl.com/ice/recap.htm?id=2011021008
83. http://www.nhl.com/ice/recap.htm?id=2011021024
84. http://www.nhl.com/ice/recap.htm?id=2011021033
85. http://www.nhl.com/ice/recap.htm?id=2011021047
86. http://www.nhl.com/ice/recap.htm?id=2011021060
87. http://www.nhl.com/ice/recap.htm?id=2011021068
88. http://www.nhl.com/ice/recap.htm?id=2011021097
89. http://www.nhl.com/ice/recap.htm?id=2011021114
90. http://www.nhl.com/ice/recap.htm?id=2011021121
91. http://www.nhl.com/ice/recap.htm?id=2011021145
92. http://www.nhl.com/ice/recap.htm?id=2011021161
93. http://www.nhl.com/ice/recap.htm?id=2011021172
94. http://www.nhl.com/ice/recap.htm?id=2011021199
95. http://www.nhl.com/ice/recap.htm?id=2011021206
96. http://www.nhl.com/ice/recap.htm?id=2011021222
97. Price, Khabibulin, Jagr are NHL's Three Stars
98. Habs' Price's two shutouts earn First Star honors
99. "Canadiens Roster". Montreal Canadiens. Retrieved April 7, 2012.
100. Day 2 Recap
101. James Wisniewski traded to Columbus
102. Habs acquire Michael Blunden from Columbus in return for Ryan Russell
103. The Canadiens acquire Mark Mitera from the Ducks in exchange for Mathieu Carle
104. Canadiens acquire Petteri Nokelainen and Garrett Stafford from the Phoenix Coyotes, in return for Brock Trotter and a 7th-round draft pick in 2012
105. Canadiens acquire Tomas Kaberle from Carolina in return for Jaroslav Spacek
106. Michael Cammalleri traded to Calgary
107. "Hal Gill traded to Nashville". Archived from the original on 2012-02-20. Retrieved 2012-02-17.
108. Canadiens trade forward Andrei Kostitsyn to the Nashville Predators
109. Raphael Diaz signed by the Canadiens
110. Two-year contract for goalie Peter Budaj
111. Erik Cole signs 4 years with Montreal
112. Canadiens sign Brock Trotter to a one-year contract
113. Canadiens sign Peter Delmas to a 3-year contract
114. Habs sign goalie Nathan Lawson to a one-year contract
115. Habs sign forward Brian Willsie to a one-year contract
116. Canadiens sign defenceman Jeff Woywitka to a one-year contract
117. Habs sign Chris Campoli
118. Canadiens sign Joe Callahan
119. "Astana recruit Montreal duo". hockeysverige.se (in Swedish). 2011-05-31. Retrieved 2011-06-01.
120. "Klubertanz returning to Djurgarden" (in Swedish). Djurgardens IF. 2011-06-01. Archived from the original on 2011-06-03. Retrieved 2011-06-02.
121. Capitals Sign Centre Jeff Halpern to One-Year Contract
122. Lightning Ink Free Agent Forward J.T. Wyman
123. Capitals Sign Defenceman Roman Hamrlik
124. B's Sign Pouliot, Khudobin, Whitfield
125. Bulletin: Senators sign goaltender Alex Auld to a one-year contract
126. Penguins Sign Defenceman Alexandre Picard
127. Lightning Sign Centre Tom Pyatt
128. SABRES SIGN MacINTYRE, WHITMORE AND STUART
129. BLUELINER SOPEL SIGNS WITH NOVOKUZNETSK OF KHL
130. Habs claim Blair Betts off waivers
131. Brad Staubitz claimed off waivers
132. Injured Betts returned to Flyers Accessed December 30, 2011
133. Rangers claim Woywitka from Habs
134. Canadiens sign Emelin to a one-year contract
135. Canadiens sign centreman Joonas Nattinen to a three-year contract
136. Canadiens sign defenceman Hal Gill to a one-year contract
137. Andrei Kostitsyn inks one-year deal
138. Canadiens sign Mathieu Darche to a one-year contract
139. Max Pacioretty inks two-year deal
140. Canadiens sign David Desharnais to a two year deal
141. Habs sign Andrei Markov to a three-year contract
142. Habs ink Yannick Weber to a 2-year deal
143. Ryan White inks one-year deal
144. St. Denis signed to a one-year deal
145. Josh Gorges inks one-year deal
146. Habs sign Jarred Tinordi to a 3-year contract
147. Habs ink Brendan Gallagher to a 3-year deal
148. The Canadiens sign Michaël Bournival to a three-year contract
149. Habs sign Josh Gorges to a 6-year extension
150. Three-year contract for Morgan Ellis
151. Three-year contract for Patrick Holland
152. Canadiens sign Greg Pateryn
153. Canadiens sign defenceman Nathan Beaulieu to a three-year contract