1978-79 NHL season

 The 1978-79 NHL season had 17 teams and 80 games. Cleveland Barons and Minnesota North Stars merged. First contraction since 1942. March 29, 1979 the WHA/NHL merger happens. July 26, 1978 John Tonelli signs with the New York Islanders. October 18, Minnesota trades Dennis Maruk to Washington. March 11, Randy Holt of Los Angeles earns 67 penalty minutes in the first period. April 8 Denis Potvin is second defenseman to score 100 points. Preliminary round: Philadelphia 2 Vancouver 1, New York Rangers 2 Los Angeles 0, Toronto 2 Atlanta 0, Pittsburgh 2 Buffalo 1.  Quarter finals: New York Islanders 4 Chicago 0, Montreal 4 Toronto 0, Boston 4 Pittsburgh 0, New York Rangers 4 Philadelphia 1. Semifinals: New York Rangers 4, New York Islanders 2, Montreal 4 Boston 3. Stanley Cup finals: Montreal 4 New York Rangers 1. Montreal is 1979 Stanley Cup champions. Bob Gainey is Conn Smythe trophy winner. 1979 #1 draft pick is Rob Ramage. He played 1044 games, 139 goals, 425 assists and 564 points for Colorado, St Louis, Calgary, Toronto, Minnesota, Tampa Bay, Montreal and Philadelphia. Next up, the 1979-80 season.