The Steinbach Pistons head to Dauphin for game 6 against the Kings on May 8. The Pistons have a 3-2 series lead and will look to close out the series and bring the Turnbull Trophy home to Steinbach.
Steinbach is coming off a big 2-0 win in game 5 against the Kings. Goaltending was exceptional for both teams but Will Hambley stood out as he secured the shutout, saving 34/34. With Steinbach have two very capable goalies they decided to make another goalie change and go back to Will Hambley for game 5. This series has been a bit weird as three of the games have been 3 or more goals apart and then two of them have been very close with one going to OT and the other staying 1-0 until the dying seconds of the final frame. The top line of Birnie, Power and Pepper continues to lead the way for Steinbach as they are the top 3 in MJHL playoff points, with Power leading the way with 27 points so far.
Goaltending has been a major part of the Dauphin King’s success so far this post season. Carson Cherepak has been their go to guy the whole time as he has a 0.916 SV% and a 2.54 GAA. Adding on to Cherepak’s success has been the Kings defense. With Colby Jaquet, Parker Malchuk and Klim Georgiev leading the way for the Kings back end they have limited opposing teams scoring chances and locked down the defensive end. Dauphin is great at moving the puck whether it be with their feet or stick and those three defensemen are a big part of it.
SPECIAL TEAMS
PISTONS: PP 12/51 – 23.5% PK 48/59 – 81.4%
KINGS: PP 18/72 – 25% PK 46/56 – 82.1%
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Steinbach: Quinton Pepper
Quinton Pepper has been great so far in the playoffs as he plays alongside Braden Birnie and Zach Power on the Pistons first line and has 20 points (8 goals and 12 assists) in 16 games. Pepper is great at moving the puck and making things happen in the offensive zone. With his great skating abilities and hockey IQ, Pepper is great on the breakout and generating scoring chances. With his big frame he skates well and is strong on the puck, making it difficult for defenders to defend against him.
Dauphin: Klim Georgiev
Klim Georgiev is a big part of the Dauphin Kings back end and locking down the defensive zone. With his big frame, Georgiev is great at clogging lanes and disrupting breakouts. He also has an offensive touch, with a great shot from the point that he is good at getting it through traffic and on net. So far this playoffs Georgiev has 6 points (4 goals and 2 assists) in 10 games.