The Pistons traveled away to Portage coming off a disappointing loss to the Winnipeg Blues last week. Roman Bengert got the start for Steinbach and made his contribution to the team well felt, saving all 22 shots he faced. Tyler Anderson finally broke the deadlock at 7:14 in the third period, giving the Pistons a 1-0 lead, which would turn out to be the game’s only goal.
Anderson played a strong game, making a few big checks and of course finishing on his chance in the third which was set up by Julien Koga. Tyler’s goal was his second of the season and was vital to his team’s success.
Other notable Pistons include, Vaughn Dupre who made a few great defensive plays and a monster hit on Portage’s Ryan Sokoloski. Sokoloski was victimized all evening by both Piston’s defenders and forwards. With his 27 points in 24 games, the Pistons obviously felt that he was a key man to shut down and they did just that.
Steinbach’s Braden Purtill had a glorious chance in the second period after coming out of the penalty box. Purtill stole the puck off of a Terriers defender and went one-on-one with Portage goalie Brock Aiken who made a great stop to keep the game tied.
Carter Chorney and Tyson McConnell also had prime scoring chances nullified by Aiken who was bombarded throughout the game. Aiken was the Terriers best player, saving 33 of the 34 shots he faced. Unfortunately for him, his team was outplayed in every other aspect of the game.
As dominate as the Pistons were, the 1-0 score shows the quality of the two goaltenders in this matchup. Bengert and Aiken both made saves when they were called upon, but the Pistons had more chances to get past AIken and finally did.
The real difference was the physicality that the Pistons showed off. They got under the skin of a few of the Terriers players, and were able to keep good discipline throughout. Only one real question remains for the Pistons to answer, will they come out with the intensity and physicality on Friday night as well?
The Pistons next game is on Friday at home against the Swan Valley Stampeders who currently sit in 8th place, 24 points adrift the Pistons at the top of the league. The game starts at 7:30.
Three Stars of the Game
1st: Roman Bengert (Steinbach) 22 Saves 22 Shots Against Shutout
2nd: Brady Aiken (Portage) 33 Saves 34 Shots Against
3rd: Tyler Anderson (Steinbach) Game Winning Goal in the 3rd