The Steinbach Pistons claimed an important 3-1 victory against the Portage Terriers in front of 2,475 at the Southeast Event Centre in Game 5 of the MJHL Quarter-Finals, narrowing the series deficit to 3-2 in favour of Portage. Strong goaltending and timely offense helped Steinbach inch closer to tying the series.
Scoring Summary
1st Period
- Steinbach: Ty Paisley scored at 11:11, assisted by Zhenya Miles.
- Steinbach: Zhenya Miles doubled the lead at 12:47, assisted by Brayden Barnett and Ryan McDonald.
Score: Steinbach 2, Portage 0
2nd Period
- No scoring. Both teams remained disciplined in defense.
3rd Period
- Steinbach: James Fuchs added a crucial insurance goal at 6:11, assisted by Sam Noad.
- Portage: Decker Mujcin scored a late goal at 15:28, assisted by Scott Cousins and Sully Ross, but it was not enough to mount a comeback.
Final Score: Steinbach 3, Portage 1
Key Highlights:
- First Period Breakthrough: Steinbach capitalized early with back-to-back goals in less than two minutes, giving them control of the game.
- Goaltender Duel: Steinbach’s Christian Green was in top form, making 19 saves on 20 shots and earning the First Star of the Game. Portage’s Mitchell Kathler faced significant pressure, stopping 39 of 42 shots.
- James Fuchs’ Key Goal: His third-period goal sealed the game for Steinbach, showcasing the Pistons’ ability to maintain their offensive pressure.
- Discipline a Factor: Both teams had multiple power-play opportunities, though neither managed to convert. Steinbach went 0/4 on the power play, while Portage finished 0/5.
Game Stats
Shots on Goal:
- Portage Terriers: 5-6-9 (Total 20)
- Steinbach Pistons: 21-11-10 (Total 42)
Goalies:
- Portage: Mitchell Kathler (L) – 42 shots, 39 saves.
- Steinbach: Christian Green (W) – 20 shots, 19 saves.
Three Stars:
- Christian Green (Steinbach): Stellar performance in goal, 19 saves.
- Zhenya Miles (Steinbach): 1 goal, 1 assist, impactful on both ends.
- James Fuchs (Steinbach): Scored the vital insurance goal in the third period.
What’s Next?
The Pistons, full of momentum after this critical win, aim to force a Game 7 as they head to Portage for Game 6 of the MJHL Quarter-Finals.