Hot Bondra Cools Off Lightning

The Tampa Bay Lightning know all about Peter Bondra's goal-scoring ability.

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Washington Capitals right wing scored his 23rd career goal in 26 games against Tampa Bay as the Capitals beat the Lightning 4-1 Sunday night.

"Well, it's like what Bondra does to everybody, everywhere," Capitals coach Ron Wilson said. "He's the best goal scorer in the NHL right now, over the past five years -- and you can see why."

Bondra, who had 52 goals last season to tie for the NHL lead, gave the Capitals a 2-0 lead by redirecting Dmitri Mironov's centering pass at 18:15 of the second period.

Earlier, Washington center Joe Juneau scored his 100th career goal on a slap shot from just inside the blue line, at 4:10 of the first period. That put the Capitals up 1-0.

Matthew Herr and Jaroslav Svejkovsky each added third-period goals for Washington (2-1-1).

Mikael Andersson's third-period goal spoiled Olaf Kolzig's bid for his second shutout this season. Still, the goaltender made 31 saves.

"I think Ollie is one of the top five goalies in the league. The only way you're going to get a couple on him is if he's having an off night," Wilson said. "Tonight, fortunately, wasn't one of them."

The Lightning (0-4-1) remained winless in their past 15 games, dating back to March 30.

"I don't think we laid an egg tonight," Lightning coach Jacques Demers said. "We were down and kept working. We created a lot of scoring chances, but didn't put the puck into the net."

The announced crowd of 7715 was the smallest in the Tampa Bay franchise's history. The previous low was 8,062 set Nov. 17, 1992, when the Lightning hosted Winnipeg at the Florida State Fairgrounds Expo Hall.

Sunday night's game featured the two-referee system which is being used in selective games throughout the season.

Referees Terry Gregson and Brad Watson called just 10 penalties, resulting in four Washington and six Tampa Bay power plays.

Washington left wing Chris Simon, who was sent home following a spat last Tuesday with Wilson, returned after missing one game.

The Lightning will be without Stephane Richer for at least two weeks. The right wing will undergo arthroscopic surgery on his ailing left ankle this week.

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