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 their fourth consecutive Stanley Cup championship. Three Original Six teams made the semifinals, which would not happen again until the 2014 Conference finals.