The Steinbach Pistons head to Portage tonight to face off against the Terriers at Stride Place.
The Steinbach Pistons started the second half of the season with back-to-back home wins over the Winkler Flyers, seeing them win both games by a score of 4-2. Cole Plowman and Dominik Wasik each played a game and looked great, turning away many scoring chances and locking down the crease. The Pistons will be looking to distance themselves from the Terriers tonight as the Pistons currently are 6-points ahead, but the Terriers have 2-games in hand. The Pistons continue to dominate in the goal differential department, leading the MJHL in goals for (144), least goals against (72) and goal differential (+72).
The Terriers have not played a game yet since the Christmas break, but finished off the first half with two wins, beating the Flyers and the Pistons. The Terriers also have a strong goal differential, sitting in second in goals for (134) and tied for second in goal differential (+40). Defence is the Portage Terriers strong point, as they have two defencemen in their teams top 5 scoring, with defenceman Hayden Lacquette leading the team in scoring with 37 points.
SPECIAL TEAMS
PISTONS: PP 36/138 – 26.1% PK 123/143 – 86%
TERRIERS: PP 36/157 – 22.9% PK 122/41 – 86.5%
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Pistons: Ian Amsbaugh
Ian Amsbaugh has looked really good this season, generating lots of offence and a good 200 ft game. Amsbaugh was just named the Pistons player of the month for December where he had 10 points (4 goals and 6 assists) in 7 games. Amsbaugh plays on a line with Chambers and Mikan which is a line that generates lots of offence with Amsbaugh usually at the centre of it.
Terriers: Austin Peters
Austin Peters currently has 31 points (11 goals and 20 assists) in 28 games. Austin Peters plays a game with grit and skill. He generates lots of offence and is a threat off the rush but also plays a hard physical game with good defence awareness. Peters will make an impact with or without the puck so make sure to keep an eye out for him.