The1978–79Boston Bruins season was the Bruins'55thseason. The Bruins captured their fourth straight division title but were defeated in the postseason in heartbreaking fashion in seven games to their hated rivals, theMontreal Canadiens, and denied an opportunity to play for theStanley Cup.Don Cherry was subsequently let go ashead coach following this defeat.
In game seven of the Montreal-Boston semi-final, Boston'sRick Middleton scored with four minutes remaining in the third period to give the Bruins a 4–3 lead. Just over a minute later, linesmanJohn D'Amico called a bench minor for too many men on the ice against the Bruins. Montreal'sGuy Lafleur scored on the ensuingpower play, sending the game to overtime, whereYvon Lambert gave the Canadiens the win and a trip to their fourth straight Stanley Cup Finals.
Date
Away
Score
Home
Score
Notes
April 26
Boston
2
Montreal
4
April 28
Boston
2
Montreal
5
May 1
Montreal
1
Boston
2
May 3
Montreal
3
Boston
4
(OT)
May 5
Boston
1
Montreal
5
May 8
Montreal
2
Boston
5
May 10
Boston
4
Montreal
5
(OT)
Montreal wins best-of-seven series 4 games to 3
The 1979 NHL Playoffs would mark the end of Don Cherry's tenure with the Bruins. Cherry, who had an uneasy relationship with Bruins General ManagerHarry Sinden, was fired by the Bruins after a critical coaching mistake during a 1979 semi-final playoff series against the Canadiens. Up by a goal with less than two minutes left in the seventh game, the Bruins were penalized for having too many men on the ice. The Canadiens'Guy Lafleur scored the tying goal on the subsequent powerplay and ultimately won the game in overtime. Montreal went on to defeat theNew York Rangers for their fourth straight Cup title.