The Steinbach Pistons are in Virden tonight as they have a rematch against the Oil Capitals with puck drop set for 7:00pm.
The Pistons fell to the Oil Capitals Friday evening by a score of 3-2 at home. The Pistons still sit in first place in the MJHL with 56 points and a 28-8-0-0 record, but the Portage Terriers are close behind with 52 points and 3 games in hand. Steinbach has been without two of their top players, Davis Fry and Ty Paisley, the last couple games which has definitely made an impact on the team with lines being shifted around. Defenceman Parker Jasper, who was recently acquired at the trade deadline, made his Pistons debut on Friday against the Virden Oil Capitals.
The Virden Oil Capitals have been playing some good hockey as of late as they have won 3 of their last 4 games since the Christmas break. The Oil Capitals currently have 35 points and a 17-17-1-0 record which has them in 10th place in the MJHL. Virden’s goalie tandem of Eric Reid and Owen LaRocque has a combined GAA of 3.75 and a combined SV% of 0.875. Virden has been known to be a second half team, so they will be looking to get the ball rolling and make their way up the MJHL standings.
SPECIAL TEAMS
PISTONS: PP 39/153 – 25.5% PK 132/157 – 84.1%
OIL CAPITALS: PP 29/133 – 21.8% PK 94/130 – 72.3%
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Pistons: Travis Hensrud
Prior to last game, Travis Hensrud was on a 14-game point streak where he got 22 points (12 goals and 10 assists) over that span. Hensrud is an extremely versatile player and has big roles in all scenarios. Whether it be on the powerplay, penalty kill or even strength, Travis plays a major role and is instrumental in the success of the Pistons. Travis is having a breakout season and currently sits in second place in MJHL scoring.
Oil Capitals: Nolan Chastko
Nolan Chastko is having an amazing rookie season as he leads the Oil Capitals in scoring with 25 points (11 goals and 14 assists) in 31 games which also has him in 9th in MJHL rookie scoring. Chastko plays a fast game and has a playmaking touch, as he is good at spotting the open guy and generating offence.