The picture continues to get clearer and clearer for Steinbach Pistons fans as the team’s remaining 27 man roster came up with another win, defeating the Winnipeg Blues 3-2 Wednesday night at the T.G. Smith Centre.
There were 379 fans in attendance to catch one last glimpse of the team before the Pistons home opener on Friday, September 29th. And fans were rewarded by witnessing rookies and veterans finding their names on the scoresheet.
The Pistons took a 2-0 lead in the first period, both goals were loose pucks in front of the net and then roofed top shelf by Matthieu Gomercic and Tyson McConnell. Gomercic put his in at 8:21 from Brad Schoonbaert and Denis Bosc. Tyler Penner and Daniel Taillefer picked up assists on McConnell’s at 17:51.
The Pistons went into the break outshooting the Blues 21-6. Winnipeg rebounded in the 2nd with nine shots compared to Steinbach’s eight, outscoring Steinbach 1-0. Takato Cox scored the goal to bring Winnipeg within one.
Both teams made it interesting early in the third, trading goals 25 seconds apart in the first minute of play. Dan Taillefer, who is going into the 5th season with the Pistons, sniped a shot from the left wing over the blocker from Schoonbaert and Shearer.
Gianlucca Esteves answered right back after the draw on the rush, squeezing a puck past Roman Bengert from Reid Statnson and Brandon Bartlett.
The Blues took a timeout late in the 3rd, pulled their goaltender, but couldn’t tie the game late. Steinbach ended the game outshooting their opponent 48-22.
Jeremy Wik and Roman Bengert split time in the pipes for Steinbach, stopping 20-of-22 shots against.
The Pistons have one last exhibition game this Friday in Beausejour when they match up against the Selkirk Steelers. Steinbach will be icing what will most likely be their starting line-up as they prepare for the home-opener.
Picture Above: Mackenzie Graham