WASHINGTON, Nov. 1 (UPI) -- Peter Bondra's power-play goal with 1:12 remaining Friday night lifted the Washington Capitals to a 3-2 victory over the Tampa Bay Lightning, who missed a chance to move seven games over .500 for the first time in franchise history.
The Lightning entered November as one of the biggest surprises in the NHL and had won their last two games by a combined score of 9-1 after suffering their first loss Saturday at New Jersey.
Tampa Bay appeared on its way to at least one point, despite spending most of the third period in its own zone. But Brad Lukowich took a tripping penalty and shortly thereafter, Bondra scored his 38th career goal against the Lightning.
It is the highest total by any player against Tampa Bay. Among the 34-year-old right wing's highlights against the 10-year franchise was his career-high five-goal game on Feb. 5, 1994.
The Capitals held a 14-2 advantage in shots during the third, but watched Nikolai Khabibulin make some spectacular saves. However, he was out of position when Bondra fired a hard shot from the right circle after taking a pass from offensive-minded defenseman Sergei Gonchar.
Robert Lang and Steve Konowalchuk also tallied for Washington, which has won 14 of the last 17 meetings (14-2-1) with Tampa Bay.
Vincent LeCavalier and Martin St. Louis had goals for Tampa Bay, which has dropped its last 10 games in Washington.
