The Cleveland Barons played their final game on April 9, 1978 at Richfield Coliseum. Their opponents were the Pittsburgh Penguins. Dennis Maruk scored the final goal in franchise history at 15:28 of the third period, his 36th of the season scored on Denis Herron, assisted by Mike Fidler and Kris Manery.
The Barons lost the game 3-2 and Maruk had both goals in the losing cause. His first of the game was scored at 11:09 of the second, assisted by Jean Potvin. Dennis finished the 1977-78 NHL season with a team leading 36 goals, 35 assists and 71 points.
It was Herron that dampened what should have been a celebration of sorts. The Pittsburgh goalie faced 43 shots from the Barons, turning away 41. Gilles Meloche took on 27 shots from the Penguins, allowing goals by Wayne Bianchin, Tom Cassidy and Rick Kehoe.
The Barons were in Cleveland for just two seasons. Prior to that, the were the Oakland Seals / California Golden Seals. For the 1978-79 NHL season, the Barons merged with the Minnesota North Stars. The team remained in Bloomington, Minnesota and retained the North Stars name.
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