This Date in Caps History - January 8

On January 8, 1984, Bengt Gustafsson scored five goals to lead Washington to a 7-1 victory over the Philadelphia Flyers at the Spectrum in Philadelphia.

Philadelphia's Dave Poulin drew first blood when he beat Caps goaltender Al Jensen early in the first period. Less than a minute later, Gustafsson scored his first of the night to tie the score. Gustafsson tallied again at the 11:19 mark and Dave Christian's goal gave Washington a 3-1 advantage after the first period.

Gustafsson completed his hat trick at 11:41 of the middle period, the only goal of the frame. Doug Jarvis scored a shorthanded goal at 3:42 of the third as the Capitals opened up a 5-1 lead over the Flyers.

Gustafsson notched goal number four at the 5:12 mark of the third and finished out the scoring five minutes later with his fifth goal of the night, a power play tally. Mike Gartner assisted on three of Gustafsson's goals and Rod Langway helped out on a pair.

Gustafsson's five goals were scored on five shots. The goals came at the expense of Gustafsson's fellow Swede, Flyer netminder Pelle Lindbergh.