The Steinbach Pistons beat the Selkirk Steelers in Game 3 Friday evening by a score of 3-0 to go up 2-1 in the series.
The first period saw some good back and forth hockey with both teams getting some scoring chances. Steinbach had a great scoring opportunity off a Bryce Kilbourne shot from the point, but it got redirected off the post and went wide.
Will Hambley made a big save in the final minute of the first period as Dante Ballerin got around a Piston defender and got the puck out to Sheldin Howard in front, but Hambley made a great glove save to smother the scoring chance.
The game was scoreless through the first period of play with the shot totals 8-6 for Steinbach.
The Steelers had a great scoring chance in the second period as there was a mad scramble in front of Hambley. Hambley was tossing and turning, trying to do anything to keep the puck out of the net as it trickled wide by mere inches.
The Pistons would get their first marker of the game at the 4:59 mark of the second period as Braden Birnie lobbed a pass to Zach Power down at the left faceoff dot who then flipped the puck to a cutting Quinton Pepper. Pepper made a nice forehand to backhand move and potted the puck past Hunter Tarves.
The Pistons went into the second intermission up 1-0 with the shot totals 16 a piece.
The Steinbach Pistons extended their lead to 2-0 as Cooper Rice got the insurance marker with just under 3-minutes left in the game. Nate Goodbrandson made a centering pass from the side boards and Cooper Rice picked up the loose puck and squeaked it through Tarves arm to go up 2-0.
Travis Hensrud put the nail in the coffin as Quinton Pepper cleared the puck from the defensive zone, Jordan Hughesman misplayed the puck at the blueline and Hensrud picked it up and got the empty netter to clinch a 3-0 win. Will Hambley played amazing, turning away all 23 shots he faced and securing his first shutout of the playoffs.