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THE REGULAR SEASON

Brought in the previous season, Andy Moog announces his retirement during the offseason and the team finds itself with two young goalies, Jocelyn Thibault and Jose Theodore.

Despite the return of the core of the team for the start of the season, both October and November are tough and the Habs’ inconsistent play proves costly. In a bid to add a veteran presence in goal general manager, Rejean Houle, trades Thibault, who he obtained in the Patrick Roy trade, to acquire Jeff Hackett from the Chicago Blackhawks.

For the first time in over 30 years, the Canadiens are shut out in consecutive games in November. The team struggles to score throughout the season and is unable to reach the 200 goal benchmark for the first time in a season of at least 70 games since 1953-54.

The Habs’ season reaches its nadir in December when the team goes winless for 11 straight games. At the holiday break, Montreal is sitting in the basement of the Northeast Division, and is next to last place in the Eastern Conference with eight wins, 18 losses and seven ties.

Fortunately for the team’s fans, things improve a bit in January and February and hopes of making the playoffs return. But in March, two significant members of the Canadiens’ offense part ways with the team.

First, on March 10, Houle trades Mark Recchi to the Philadelphia Flyers in return for young forward Dainius Zubrus and a draft choice. Two weeks later, team captain Vincent Damphousse is sent to San Jose in exchange for three draft selections, including a first round pick.

With the loss of two of its top three forwards, the Canadiens yield all hope of reaching the eighth and final playoff spot. The team’s 75 points at season’s end are the Habs’ lowest total in a full season in 40 years.

In May, after 16 years as team president, Ronald Corey leaves the Canadiens. He is replaced by Pierre Boivin.