Courtesy of Steinbachonline.com
It was a penalty filled game between the Steinbach Pistons and Dauphin Kings on Saturday night but when the dust settled, it was Steinbach coming out on top 4-1.
As they have done all season long, the Pistons made their opponent pay for taking penalties as all four of Steinbach’s goals came on the man advantage. Assistant coach Rob Smith talked about his team’s effort and how the staff worked to get every player in the game even if some players weren’t used to being on the special teams. “We were going tonight. I think there wasn’t much flow to the game but in those games you need the power play and pk to be going and they were, it was huge from our group. We have a deep lineup and we want to use everyone in those situations and we needed everyone tonight.”
Luke Amsbaugh found the back of the net twice for goals 7 and 8 on the season plus an assist and the rookie forward was all smiles after the game. “I’ve had a lot of chances lately and to play on the power play with Pens (Tyler Penner) and Dano (Dan Taillefer) you’re gonna get some chances out there.”
Mack Graham and Hayden Goderis also scored on the power play, while Dan Taillefer (2), Tyler Penner (2), Mack Graham, Darby Gula and Denis Bosc all had assists on the night.
The penalty kill was perfect on the night going 7 for 7 and big part was Jeremy Wik who was solid again making 21 saves on the night. The power play finished 4 for 9.
The Pistons wrap up their 7 game homestand on Sunday against the very same Dauphin Kings. Smith knows his team’s going to have to play with an edge but not cross it to pick up the two points. “We’re not a big team but we’re a fast, strong team. We have guys that can play tough and we don’t back down. Our guys did a good job of that tonight. We have four lines that can play and there will be some good players on all four lines. I don’t think we have a ‘fourth line’.”
Steinbach will have added a boost as forwards Cole Smith (Injury) and Robert Briem (Personal) both return to the lineup tonight. Both 20 year olds will add more punch to an already dangerous lineup.