It’s a short road trip in round 1 for the Pistons as they hop over to Niverville for game 2 of the MJHL quarter-finals at the Niverville CRRC at 7pm.
Steinbach took game 1 on Friday night on home ice by beating the Nighthawks 5-2. Niverville tied the game 2-2 less than 2 minutes into the 3rd. Then less than a minute later, the Pistons answer right back to regain the lead. The Pistons went on to score 2 more unanswered goals to close out the night. All even-strength.
Despite coming out with the win, after the game, Head Coach Paul Dyck said some details need to be cleaned up before game 2. An example Dyck noted was his team went offside on zone entries on a number of occasions. A few other details to clean up Dyck says is being first on pucks, staying above the puck, and not cheating on breakouts. That being said, the 2024 Coach of the Year nominee says the team overall played a good game and looks forward to getting back at it for game 2.
The Nighthawks had the only powerplay goal of the night on Friday. Specialty teams could play a key role in this series for Niverville. All 5 of the Pistons goals in game 1 were scored even strength. For Niverville, limiting powerplay goals will be key. They’ve been successful in doing that so far.
SPECIALTY TEAMS – 2024 Turnbull Cup Playoffs
PISTONS: PP – 0/4 PK – 0/1
NIGHTHAWKS: PP – 1/1 PK – 4/4
PLAYERS TO WATCH
PISTONS: Jamie Fuchs
Coming off a 3 point night in game 1, Jamie Fuchs is finding chemistry with his new linemates Kirk Mullen and Brandon Funk. Fuchs opened the scoring on Friday night and tallied up two more apples on the night. Steinbach’s coaches were pleased with Fuchs’ performance and how he drives the net to generate chances.
NIGHTHAWKS: Michael Debrito
With an assist in both of the Nighthawks goals in game 1, no question Debrito is an impactful piece of Niverville’s offense. The veteran Nighthawk forward can rip the puck as well so he will be someone the Pistons should keep their eye on.
Puck drop at the Niverville CRRC is 7:00pm. Catch the game on Flo Hockey or listen to voice of the Pistons Dave Anthony over at DAbroadcasting.mixlr.com.
Road Report brought to you by Compass Coach Lines. Visit them at www.compasscoachlines.com.