Peter Bondra scored 472 goals as a Capital, the most in franchise history until Alexander Ovechkin netted his 473rd way back in 2015.
Ovi has another 350 on top of that, and at 822, he’s 72 goals away from tying Wayne Gretzky’s 894 for the most in NHL history – a record chase that could, and should, end sometime in 2024-25, and still marvels Bondra to this day.
“It's amazing. He’s a generational player for the NHL, not just the Capitals, and what he was able to accomplish with his shot is amazing, and fun to watch,” Bondra said. “I had the chance to play a couple years against him at the end of my career, and I’ve played with and against some great goal scorers, but his shot is something else. Ovi’s shot is a different level, and it’s the reason he’s not too far away from being the top goal scorer.”
Bondra was Grant’s favorite player as a kid, which Peter responded to by saying “that means you’re telling me I’m old,” and hey, if the shoe fits, he IS in town for a Capitals Alumni Weekend this weekend.
“This our fifth event, and we’re going to do a Stars and Spirits fundraiser event on Friday, Sept. 29 at the View of DC in Arlington, so everybody who's interested to come and support a good cause, please do,” Bondra said. “There's gonna be a lot of special drinks, some food, and all kinds of good stuff, and you’ll be able to meet some Capitals alumni and some of the current players and coaches. We share stories, and they’re getting bigger and bigger every year, with different flavor, so it will be fun.”
And how does Bonzai feel about that current squad?
“Obviously a lot of changes; we had a lot of injuries last year, key players, and this year, we’re looking forward with a new coach and a different system and pace,” Bondra said. “I’m looking forward to seeing how we’re going to play. Obviously the key is to stay healthy, and hopefully, the goalie can win some games for us, especially those games where you shouldn't win but the goalie stands on his head and steals a couple points. You need to have a couple of those to make the playoffs.”
What advice would Bondra have for new head coach Spencer Carbery to win over the locker room?
“Be disciplined to set the tone from the beginning, keep the guys accountable for their actions on the ice, and make sure everybody is on the same page,” he said. “I think this is gonna be key, just make sure we all work together and work hard. You want this team to work hard for 60 minutes, and hopefully we’ll be a tough opponent for 60 minutes. I’m not hockey in hockey operations, but I felt like this is what we have to do: tighten up, put our head down, and work for 60 minutes every night plus. If we do that, hopefully, the game will take care of itself and the victory will be on our side.”