Christian Riemer scored 1:02 into the third overtime period as the Steinbach Pistons won the longest game in franchise history with a 2-1 Game #3 win over the Winnipeg Blues.
The Pistons now lead the series 3-0 and are one win away from advancing to the second round of the MJHL playoffs.
Both Matt Lenz and Blues goalie Cooper Hatfield stood on their heads the whole night. Lenz made 34 saves while Hatfield stopped 54 of 56 shots, but unfortunately for him he could not stop the last one.
It was a penalty filled first and second period for the Pistons as they were sent to the box a total of nine times in the first 40 minutes. However, Steinbach would kill all nine of those man advantages off and prevented the Blues from extending their lead.
Winnipeg got the lead thanks to a rebound putback by Matthew McLeod halfway through the middle period that gave the Blues a 1-0 lead.
The Pistons would respond in the third period as Tanner Mole deflected home a Christian Riemer point shot past Hatfield 3:19 into the third period. Codey Behun had the bonus assist on Mole’s second goal of the playoffs.
Both teams fought for ice the entire overtime sessions as the Pistons controlled the first and second overtimes, but they could not beat Hatfield. Lenz stuffed the Blues lone quality scoring chance near the end of double overtime by Mikol Sartor.
The previous longest game in Pistons history was the 43 second mark of the third overtime period, and the teams surpassed that just before 11:00 pm local time. Steinbach would end it soon after as Riemer threw a wrist shot from the left point that got past the glove of Hatfield at the 1:02 mark of triple overtime. Kyle Bettens had the assist on Riemer’s first goal of the playoffs.
SPECIAL TEAMS
The Pistons went 0 for 2 on the power play and killed off all nine man advantages they faced.
UP NEXT: Steinbach has the chance to wrap things up tomorrow night at the Rink Training Centre. Puck drops at 7:30 pm, catch the game on MIX 96 and Steinbachonline.com or head to Winnipegblues.ca to purchase your tickets.