This Date in Caps History - January 20

On January 20, 1978 the Washington Capitals defeated the Pittsburgh Penguins by a 5-2 score at the Igloo in Pittsburgh.

Former Penguin Greg Polis started the scoring for Washington at 3:47 of the first period. Polis got help on the play from Rolf Edberg and Bob Sirois. Just 17 seconds later, Dennis Maruk beat Pittsburgh goaltender Greg Millen, Gary Rissling and Tom Rowe assisting. The Capitals fired 14 shots in Millen's direction in the first period while the Pens managed a dozen on Washington goaltender Gary Inness.

Peter Lee halved the deficit for the Penguins when he scored a power play goal at 2:26 of the second period. Midway through the middle frame, Washington's Guy Charron scored to restore the Capitals' two-goal lead. Robert Picard and Polis assisted on the Charron goal. At 14:25, Polis continued to stick it to his ex-mates, potting his second of the night - this bone on a Washington power play - with help from Maruk and Rowe. Late in the second period, Lee scored his second power play goal of the game to keep the Pens within striking distance at 4-2. Pittsburgh unleashed 19 second period shots on goal while Washington sent 11 in Millen's direction.

At 9:50 of the final frame, Charron's second goal of the night cemented the victory for Washington. Yvon Labre received the lone assist on the final goal of the evening. The Caps enjoyed an 11-8 advantage in third period shots on goal but the Pens held a 39-36 advantage in that department on the night.