The Bruins captured their fourth straight division title but were defeated in the postseason in heartbreaking fashion in seven games to their hated rivals, the Montreal Canadiens, and denied an opportunity to play for the Stanley Cup.
Don Cherry was subsequently let go as head coach following this defeat.
Teams that qualified for the playoffs are highlighted in bold.
Just over a minute later, linesman John D'Amico called a bench minor for too many men on the ice against the Bruins.
Montreal's Guy Lafleur scored on the ensuing power play, sending the game to overtime, where Yvon Lambert gave the Canadiens the win and a trip to their fourth straight Stanley Cup Finals.