2008–09 NHL season
| 2008–09 NHL season | |
|---|---|
| League | National Hockey League |
| Sport | Ice hockey |
| Duration | October 4, 2008 – June 12, 2009 |
| Number of games | 82 |
| Number of teams | 30 |
| TV partner(s) | CBC, TSN, RDS (Canada) Versus, NBC (United States) |
| Draft | |
| Top draft pick | Steven Stamkos |
| Picked by | Tampa Bay Lightning |
| Regular season | |
| Presidents' Trophy | San Jose Sharks |
| Season MVP | Alexander Ovechkin (Capitals) |
| Top scorer | Evgeni Malkin (Penguins) |
| Playoffs | |
| Playoffs MVP | Evgeni Malkin (Penguins) |
| Stanley Cup | |
| Champions | Pittsburgh Penguins |
| Runners-up | Detroit Red Wings |
The 2008–09 NHL season was the 92nd season of operation (91st season of play) of the National Hockey League (NHL). It was the first season since prior to the 2004–05 lockout in which every team played each other at least once during the season, following three seasons where teams only played against two divisions in the other conference (one division at home and one on the road). It began on October 4, with the regular season ending on April 12. The Stanley Cup playoffs ended on June 12, with the Pittsburgh Penguins taking the Stanley Cup over the defending champion Detroit Red Wings. The Montreal Canadiens hosted the 57th NHL All-Star Game at the Bell Centre on January 25, 2009, as part of the Canadiens' 100th season celebration.