Militarily the Battle of Moscow in 1941 was not much, but its symbolism was important. Stalin realized that by remaining whil the rest of the government and crucial industry was evacuated. Support for the Soviet Union among its people was a mile wide and an inch deep. Force kept the Communists in power and they weren't afraid to use it.

The Russian can take a lot of punishment, but this ability is not limitless. To lose Moscow would have been damaging, otherwise Stalin would have easily given it up. He cared nothing for the people, but only wanted to keep his power. 

I do think, this battle was especially important in WWII, as Germans were already on the fast track to victory. Soviet Army was falling apart partially due to the lack of the leaders (most of them were killed or sent to the concentration camps before the war), partially due to the poor supplies and coordination. If Moscow would be taken (like by Napoleon in 1812), it would not mean the end of the war, but it might break the Soviets spirit substantially. All the military doctrine of the Soviet Union was related to the war on the foreign land. Moscow is taken by the enemy??? NO! One of the main assistants for Russions in the battle was extremely cold weather, when the German tanks fuel was freezing, making them disabled.

This battle was relay important in WW2 because had the germans taken it,who knows how far more they would have gone,the russians may have signed a deal of some sought,or just would have made the war go on longer,and meaning germany maybe have had to be nuked too?.