Top 5 Players of the 1979 Stanley Cup Finals

Originally published on Dec. 18, 2019

By Zane Miller

On Monday, May 21st, 1979, the Montreal Canadiens defeated the New York Rangers at the Montreal Forum in Montreal to win the 66th Stanley Cup Finals four games to one. It was the 22nd Stanley Cup championship for the Canadiens franchise, and the 15th that was won in Quebec. These are the top five players that I felt most stood out during the series.

5. #77 Phil Esposito (Rangers)- F

Esposito earned player of the game in game one, getting a goal as the Rangers took their only win of the series 4-1.

4. #8 Doug Risebrough (Canadiens)- F

Risebrough claimed player of the game in game three, getting one goal and one assist as the Canadiens won it 4-1.

3. #23 Bob Gainey (Canadiens)- F

Gainey got player of the game honors in game four, as he scored a goal and an assist in the Canadiens’ 4-3 victory in overtime.

2. #22 Steve Shutt (Canadiens)- F

Shutt scored player of the game in game two, adding one goal and two assists as the Canadiens went on to win 6-2.

1. #25 Jacques Lemaire (Canadiens)- F

Lemaire got player of the game honors in game five, picking up two goals in the Canadiens’ 4-1 win.

Players of the Game Breakdown:

Link to stats database: https://www.hockey-reference.com/playoffs/1979-montreal-canadiens-vs-new-york-rangers-stanley-cup-final.html