Roman Bengert kept his fifth shutout of the season in a penalty-filled game in which the Pistons defeated the Dauphin Kings 3-0.
In a game overshadowed by the abundance of penalties, both netminders stood out in this matchup. Dauphin’s Brandon Holtby kept the game close and made at least six great saves on prime scoring opportunities. Holtby would end up with the loss, but a fantastic performance that should not be forgotten. He made 42 saves on the 45 shots he faced and was Dauphin’s best player on Saturday night.
Roman Bengert made his 28th appearance of the season a special one, saving all 31 shots he faced. With the score still tied up midway through the second period, Bengert made the best save of the night getting in front of a shot that was redirected in the slot onto his net.
The first goal came 11:55 into the second period when Landon Plett scored for the Pistons. This came mere seconds after Holtby denied him on a penalty shot. Assists were made by Drew Anderson and Jack Johnson.
In the third period the game really started to turn in Steinbach’s favour when Vaughn Dupre scored his 8th goal of the season. Dupre found himself at the front of the net when Mack Graham’s shot came directly to him on a rebound. A quick put back was needed to beat Holtby, and it was delivered.
With just 1:05 to play Jack Johnson got his first goal as a Piston and the crowd erupted. Making a deft touch on the shot from the point, Johnson’s tip was able to beat Holtby. Johnson’s performance was superb earning him the first star of the game, and a great post-game celebration.
Despite all of the penalties in the game, 19 of them, neither team was able to find a goal while on the man-advantage. Dauphin’s penalty kill was up to the task of shutting down the league’s number two powerplay unit, Steinbach answered when they were disadvantaged.
Steinbach will play their next five games away from home. The Pistons will return on the 27th of January to face off against the Selkirk Steelers.
(Picture Courtesy of Adeline Loewen Photography)