The 1979 Stanley Cup playoffs, the playoff tournament of the National Hockey League, (NHL) began on April 10, after the conclusion of the 1978–79 NHL season. The playoffs concluded on May 21, with the three-time defending champion Montreal Canadiens defeating the New York Rangers 4–1 to win the final series four games to one for the Stanley Cup. Three Original Six teams made the semifinals, which would not happen again until the 2014 Conference Finals. Playoff seeds The twelve teams that qualified for the playoffs are ranked 1–12 based on regular season points. New York Islanders, Patrick Division champions, Clarence Campbell Conference regular season champions, NHL regular season champions – 116 points Montreal Canadiens, Norris Division champions, Prince of Wales Conference regular season champions – 115 points Boston Bruins, Adams Division champions – 100 points Philadelphia Flyers – 95 points New York Rangers – 91 points Atlanta Flames – 90 points Buffalo Sabres – 88 points Pittsburgh Penguins – 85 points Toronto Maple Leafs – 81 points Los Angeles Kings – 80 points Chicago Black Hawks, Smythe Division champions – 73 points Vancouver Canucks – 63 points (2) Montreal Canadiens vs. (7) Toronto Maple Leafs This was the fifteenth playoff meeting between these two teams; with the teams splitting the fourteen previous series. They met in previous year's Stanley Cup Semifinals, which Montreal won in a four-game sweep. These teams did not meet again in the playoffs until 2021. April 16 Toronto Maple Leafs 2–5 Montreal Canadiens Montreal Forum Recap April 18 Toronto Maple Leafs 1–5 Montreal Canadiens Montreal Forum Recap April 21 Montreal Canadiens 4–3 2OT Toronto Maple Leafs Maple Leaf Gardens Recap April 22 Montreal Canadiens 5–4 OT Toronto Maple Leafs Maple Leaf Gardens Recap Montreal won series 4–0 Stanley Cup Finals Main article: 1979 Stanley Cup Finals This was the 12th playoff series (and only Finals) meeting between these two teams. New York led 6–5 in previous meetings. Their last encounter was won by New York in six games in the 1974 Stanley Cup Quarterfinals. Prior to 2013, this was the last time two Original Six clubs met in the finals. Both teams would next appear in the Stanley Cup Finals as follows: Canadiens winning in 1986 and 1993, Rangers winning in 1994. May 13 New York Rangers 4–1 Montreal Canadiens Montreal Forum Recap May 15 New York Rangers 2–6 Montreal Canadiens Montreal Forum Recap May 17 Montreal Canadiens 4–1 New York Rangers Madison Square Garden Recap May 19 Montreal Canadiens 4–3 OT New York Rangers Madison Square Garden Recap May 21 New York Rangers 1–4 Montreal Canadiens Montreal Forum Recap Montreal won series 4–1