Before Alex Ovechkin etched his name atop the Washington Capitals’ record books, Peter Bondra reigned supreme as the franchise’s leading goal scorer. From 1990 to 2004, Bondra captivated fans with his electrifying speed and lethal shot. As we recently celebrated Peter Bondra’s 55th birthday on February 7th, it’s the perfect moment to revisit some of the most unforgettable games and milestone goals that defined his remarkable NHL career.
Peter Bondra in his Washington Capitals jersey.
First NHL Goal: The Beginning in New Jersey
Peter Bondra’s NHL journey officially began on October 17, 1990, against the New Jersey Devils. In the Meadowlands at the Brendan Byrne Arena, Bondra announced his arrival with a wrist shot that found the back of the net at 3:52 of the first period. This goal momentarily put the Capitals ahead 1-0. While the Devils ultimately rallied to win 3-2, this game marked the inception of a prolific goal-scoring legacy for Peter Bondra in the NHL.
Five Goals Against Lightning: A Night of Pure Offense
February 5, 1994, became a legendary date in Capitals history, all thanks to Peter Bondra’s offensive explosion against the Tampa Bay Lightning at the U.S. Air Arena. Despite an early Lightning power play goal, Bondra swiftly responded, tying the game just 27 seconds later. He wasn’t done there. A mere 15 seconds after his first, Bondra struck again, giving the Capitals a 2-1 lead.
Then, on the power play, Peter Bondra completed an astonishing natural hat trick, scoring his third goal within a breathtaking 2 minutes and 6 seconds. This feat etched his name in Capitals’ record books for the fastest hat trick in franchise history. But the scoring spree continued. Just over two minutes later, Bondra tallied his fourth goal, marking the fastest four goals by a Capital in just 4 minutes and 12 seconds. By the end of the first period, the Capitals held a commanding 4-1 lead, largely thanks to Bondra’s incredible performance. He added a fifth goal in the second period, culminating in a 6-3 victory for Washington. After the game, Bondra humbly credited his linemate Dale Hunter, highlighting Hunter’s crucial role in his scoring success, “It is Dale Hunter who makes my job easy. Dale is everywhere on the ice. He is always helping me out, giving me the puck.”
Goal #100: Century Mark Against Calgary
Peter Bondra reached his 100th NHL goal milestone on March 6, 1994, in a game against the Calgary Flames at the U.S. Air Arena. Bondra scored the Capitals’ second goal at 6:34 of the first period, assisted by Al Iafrate and Kelly Miller. The Capitals jumped to a 3-0 lead in the first period, but Calgary mounted a comeback, eventually tying the game 3-3. The game concluded in a 4-4 tie, but the night was significant for Bondra reaching the century mark in goals.
Goal #200: Double Century in Anaheim
On December 13, 1996, against the Anaheim Mighty Ducks at Arrowhead Pond, Peter Bondra netted his 200th career goal. He initiated the scoring with a short-handed goal at 5:46 of the first period and added another before the period ended, putting the Capitals ahead 3-1. Despite Bondra’s two goals, the Mighty Ducks rallied, scoring three goals in the second period and another in the third to take a 5-3 lead. Bondra completed a hat trick late in the game, bringing the score to 5-4, but the Capitals ultimately fell short. This game, despite the loss, was a personal triumph for Peter Bondra, celebrating his 200th NHL goal.
Goal #300: Three Hundred Against Montreal
January 18, 1999, saw Peter Bondra achieve his 300th career goal against the Montreal Canadiens at the Molson Centre. After the Canadiens took an early 2-0 lead, the game became a back-and-forth affair. Bondra’s milestone goal came at 8:22 of the third period, tying the game 4-4, which remained the final score. This goal, his 15th of the season, solidified Peter Bondra’s status as a premier scorer in the NHL.
Franchise Goal Record: Surpassing Gartner
November 30, 2001, was a historic night for Peter Bondra and the Washington Capitals franchise. Facing the Carolina Hurricanes at the MCI Center, Bondra scored early in the game, just 4:04 into the first period. This goal, his 398th career tally, broke Mike Gartner’s franchise record for goals. He scored again later in the game, leading the Capitals to a 6-2 victory and cementing his place in Capitals history.
Goal #400: Four Hundred Mark Against Rangers
Just a few days later, on December 4, 2001, Peter Bondra reached another major milestone, scoring his 400th career goal against the New York Rangers. With the Capitals already leading 2-0, Bondra’s power-play goal at 13:15 of the second period was initially reviewed but confirmed. He added his 401st goal just over two minutes later, contributing to a 5-2 Capitals win. This game marked Peter Bondra as the first Washington Capital to reach the 400-goal mark.
Franchise Point Record: Setting a New Standard
Peter Bondra continued to build his legacy, and on April 5, 2003, against the Pittsburgh Penguins at the MCI Center, he achieved yet another franchise record. Late in the third period, with the Capitals leading 4-3, Bondra scored an empty-net goal, securing the win and establishing a new franchise record for points at 790.
Peter Bondra’s career with the Washington Capitals was filled with memorable moments and incredible achievements. These milestone goals represent just a snapshot of his contributions to the franchise and his enduring legacy as a Capitals legend.
