Steinbach’s 8 game winning streak was broken Tuesday night in Winkler, when the Flyers defeated the Pistons by a score of 5-1.
Winkler (29-10-2) who split it’s two away games at Wayway came into Tuesday’s game on a hot-cold streak winning three of their last six games.
Flyers goaltender Cole Weaver, played a solid game, saving 37 of the 38 shots he faced and was named the game’s first star.
Roman Bengert made 31 saves for the Pistons, after winning his last nine starts. Despite allowing five goals against, the netminder was still one of Steinbach’s better players.
In a game loaded with penalties, Winkler were the only team to cash in on the abundance of opportunities granted to them, going 2 for 5, and holding the Pistons to 0 for 6.
The Pistons powerplay has yet to get rolling after the winter break, going 5 for 31 since the new year. At 16%, this is below their first half conversion rate of 22%.
As a whole, the game was riddled with penalties, physical play, and emotions. Two fights erupted in the third period which was less than unpredictable. The teams continued to batter each other until the final horn went.
Tyson McConnell scored Steinbach’s lone goal while Coltyn Bates (2), Scott Gall, Braden Billaney and Tanner Lewis scored for Winkler.
For the Pistons, (33-6-1) Tuesday’s result makes the game against Winnipeg on Thursday even more important, with Winkler closing the gap to 7 points.
Three Stars of the Game
1st Cole Weaver (Winkler) 37 Saves on 38 Shots earned his team the win
2nd Coltyn Bates (Winkler) 2 Goals at crucial times pushed the Flyers forward
3rd Tanner Lewis (Winkler) Goal and Assist, His Powerplay goal stretched the lead to five