1979 Stanley Cup Finals

1979 Stanley Cup Finals was the championship series of the National Hockey League's (NHL) 1978–79 season, and the culmination of the 1979 Stanley Cup playoffs. The Montreal Canadiens, the defending Stanley Cup champions, defeated the New York Rangers four games to one to win their fourth consecutive title. The series is particularly remembered for a controversial penalty call in Game 7 of the preceding semifinal series that propelled the Rangers to the final, and for marking the end of an era for the dominant Canadiens dynasty.

Background

The Montreal Canadiens entered the finals seeking an unprecedented fourth straight Stanley Cup, a feat not accomplished since the Toronto Maple Leafs' run from 1947 to 1949. Coached by Scotty Bowman and led by veterans like Ken Dryden, Larry Robinson, and Guy Lafleur, the Canadiens finished first in the Prince of Wales Conference. Their opponents, the New York Rangers, were coached by Fred Shero, who had previously led the Philadelphia Flyers to two championships. The Rangers, featuring stars like Phil Esposito, Ron Duguay, and goaltender John Davidson, advanced after a dramatic seven-game victory over the New York Islanders, a series infamous for the "too many men on the ice" penalty against the Boston Bruins.

Series summary

The series was played between May 13 and May 21, 1979. Montreal's Forum hosted Games 1, 2, and 5, while Madison Square Garden was the venue for Games 3 and 4. The Canadiens' superior depth and experience ultimately overwhelmed the Rangers, as Montreal captured the series in five games. Bob Gainey, renowned for his defensive prowess, was awarded the Conn Smythe Trophy as the most valuable player of the entire playoffs. The Canadiens' victory was their 22nd Stanley Cup championship, further cementing their status as the league's premier franchise.

Game summaries

*Game 1: At the Montreal Forum on May 13, the Canadiens won 4–1. Guy Lafleur and Jacques Lemaire each recorded a goal and an assist, while Ken Dryden made 20 saves. *Game 2: On May 15, Montreal prevailed 6–2. Steve Shutt scored twice, and Mario Tremblay added a goal and two assists, giving the Canadiens a commanding 2–0 series lead. *Game 3: Shifting to Madison Square Garden on May 17, the Rangers earned a 4–1 victory. John Davidson stopped 31 shots, and Don Murdoch scored a key goal to avoid a sweep. *Game 4: On May 19, the Canadiens responded with a 4–3 overtime win. Serge Savard scored the winner at 7:25 of the extra period, putting Montreal on the brink of the title. *Game 5: Back at the Montreal Forum on May 21, Jacques Lemaire scored at 10:07 of overtime to give the Canadiens a 4–3 victory and the Stanley Cup, clinching the series 4–1.

Team rosters

The champion Montreal Canadiens were led by future Hockey Hall of Fame members such as goaltender Ken Dryden, defensemen Larry Robinson, Serge Savard, and Guy Lapointe, and forwards Guy Lafleur, Steve Shutt, and Bob Gainey. Captain Yvan Cournoyer was limited by injury. The New York Rangers roster featured veterans Phil Esposito and Ulf Nilsson, alongside rising talents like Ron Duguay, Dave Maloney, and goaltender John Davidson. Key contributors also included Anders Hedberg and Mike McEwen.

Aftermath and legacy

The victory marked the end of the 1970s dynasty for the Montreal Canadiens and the final NHL game for several legends. Ken Dryden and Jacques Lemaire retired immediately after the series, while Scotty Bowman departed to coach the Buffalo Sabres. The New York Rangers would not return to the finals until 1994. The series is often historically linked to the 1979 NHL Entry Draft, held just days later, where the Canadiens selected future star Mats Naslund. The "Too many men on the ice" incident from the semifinals remains one of the most debated moments in Boston Bruins history, overshadowing the finals itself in some narratives.

Category:Stanley Cup Finals Category:Montreal Canadiens Category:New York Rangers Category:1979 in sports in Quebec Category:1979 in sports in New York (state) Category:1979 in ice hockey Category:May 1979 sports events