What started as a run-of-the-mill NHL Style pushing and shoving contest, turned, into an extraordinary audience participation event, with almost the entire Bruins team climbing into the stands at Madison Square Garden. They fought with the Rangers Fans in the not-so-cheap seats, for about five minutes, until Garden Security was able to separate the warring parties.

When it was over, there were no serious injuries reported, although four fans were arrested and charged with disorderly conduct. A month after the melee, the Bruins Terry O’reilly was suspended for eight games. Teammate Mike Milbury was given a six game suspension, as was Peter McNabb. All of the Bruins players were fined $500, with the exception of goalie Gerry Cheevers, who went right to the locker room and missed all the action. As he explained, “I was already on my second beer”.

http://www.sportshistorytoday.com/bruins-stands-december-23-1979/