Courtesy of Steinbachonline.com
The Steinbach Pistons had their hands full on a rare afternoon game on Sunday against the Virden Oil Capitals where after scoring the first goal a minute in, not much else went right in what would become a 5-2 loss.
After a long travel day, the Pistons got the start they wanted as Matthieu Gomercic found the back of the net for the third time in two games with assists going to Julien Koga and Ryan Carlson. Head coach Paul Dyck has been more then impressed with the line combination of Gomercic, Koga and winger Jordan Bochinski. “They’ve been a bright spot, maybe the only bright spot this week.”
After controlling the play for several minutes but being turned away without a goal, it was the Oil Capitals that would strike twice to close out the opening period.
The second saw both teams trade goals with Hayden Goderis potting one on the power play wish assists to Bradley Schoonbaert and another assist for Ryan Carlson, his second of the game. Goderis has played with a few different line partners this year already and talks about that experience. “It’s different, some players you know where they’ll be and others you don’t. You need to practice but it’s fun to play with different guys, younger guys or older guys, it’s just good.”
The Pistons came into the game with the league’s best power play but it would finish 1 for 11 on the night and Dyck knows there were opportunities at times wasted with the man advantage. “We had good movement but we left a lot of shots on the table. Good puck control but shots not getting through.”
The Penalty kill has improved and went a perfect 4 for 4 on Sunday. Although last in the league, the Pistons have improved shorthanded and have killed 7 straight penalties against.
Jeremy Wik got the start and made one brilliant save in the first period, as the Oil Capitals came in on the rush, a pass through the blue paint caught Wik by surprise but as Virden tried to tap it in the open cage, Wik threw out his right arm and deflected the puck into his body and not over the line. One of the best saves a goalie has made this season. Wik would finish the night with 21 saves.
A scary moment for Steinbach as a dangerous hit by Jake Dudar of the Oil Capitals resulted in an injury to defenceman Tyler Anderson. Dudar would be charged with a 5 minute penalty for boarding and a game misconduct. Anderson would leave the game and not return. Details to the severity of the injury were not immediately available but Anderson will be evaluated at hospital but Dyck is not optimistic. “It does look like a serious injury and he’ll get the doctors to look at his arm.” Dyck knows he’s going to add on the blue line. “To add an impact defenceman at this time can be difficult but guys will get the chance to elevate their game.”
Steinbach (6-4) will look to get back in the win column on Wednesday against the Neepawa Natives (5-7) in the Yellowhead Centre.