1978–79 Pittsburgh Penguins season
The 1978–79 Pittsburgh Penguins season was their 12th in the National Hockey League. They finished second in the Norris Division, qualifying for the Stanley Cup playoffs for the first time since 1977. Their regular season was a marked improvement over the previous season, from 68 to 85 points.
Regular season
Final standings
Schedule and results
Playoffs
Preliminary Round vs. Buffalo
Quarterfinals vs. Boston
Player statistics
;Skaters;Goaltenders
†Denotes player spent time with another team before joining the Penguins. Stats reflect time with the Penguins only.
‡Denotes player was traded mid-season. Stats reflect time with the Penguins only.
Transactions
The Penguins were involved in the following transactions during the 1978–79 season:Trades
| September 6, 1978 | To Boston Bruins ---- Jean Pronovost | To Pittsburgh Penguins ---- Gregg Sheppard |
| October 9, 1978 | To Chicago Blackhawks ---- 1980 2nd round pick | To Pittsburgh Penguins ---- Dale Tallon |
| October 18, 1978 | To Montreal Canadiens ---- 1981 1st round pick | To Pittsburgh Penguins ---- Rod Schutt |
| November 17, 1978 | To Vancouver Canucks ---- Dunc Wilson | To Pittsburgh Penguins ---- cash |
| February 6, 1979 | To Buffalo Sabres ---- Dave Schultz | To Pittsburgh Penguins ---- Gary McAdam |
| June 9, 1979 | To Winnipeg Jets ---- 1980 7th round pick | To Pittsburgh Penguins ---- Jets promise not to claim Kim Clackson as a priority selection from its WHA franchise |
| August 3, 1979 | To Detroit Red Wings ---- Pete Mahovlich | To Pittsburgh Penguins ---- Nick Libett |
Additions and subtractions
Roster
Draft picks
The 1978 NHL Entry Draft was held on June 15, 1978 in Montreal, Quebec.| Round | # | Player | Pos | Nationality | College/Junior/Club Team |
| 2 | 25 | Michael Meeker | Right Wing | Canada | Peterborough Petes |
| 4 | 61 | Shane Pearsall | Left Wing | Canada | Ottawa 67's |
| 5 | 75 | Robert Garner | Center | Canada | Toronto Marlboros |