It wasn’t the result the Pistons wanted to end their first northern road trip of the season, as the Swan Valley Stampeders defeated Steinbach 3-2 Sunday night in Swan River.
The win breaks the Pistons’ 37 game win streak over the Stampeders (eight playoff games included). Swan last beat Steinbach back on February 24, 2013 in a 5-4 shootout decision.
It also wasn’t the start Coach Paul Dyck wanted either, as the Stampeders scored two goals 17 seconds apart in the first two minutes against Pistons goaltender Matt Radomsky.
Brian Harris opened the scoring on a 2-on-1 rush after a Pistons defensive breakdown in the neutral zone. His first of the season made it 1-0, with Josh Tripp and John Jebamani getting the helpers 1:29 in. And then newly acquired Bradly Goethals scored his first as a Stampeder to stake Swan out to a 2-0 lead. Matt Osadick and Justin Sverson picked up the assists on the goal.
After that, Steinbach settled into the game at about the halfway point of the first period and started on the attack. It continued into the second, as the Pistons did not allow a shot on goal until past the halfway mark of the frame.
Their hard work was finally rewarded, as Brendan Martin finally got Steinbach on the board on a rebound to cut the lead to one. It was Martin’s 7th of the season at the 9:48 mark of the second from Troy Williams and Boedey Vaeth.
The Stampeders were undisciplined in the second, taking four straight minors in the process. Tanner Mole made Swan pay on their 4th opportunity, as he was left all alone and buried the puck into the back of the net to tie it up. Mole’s 5th of the season at 16:51 was assisted by Tyson McConnell and Declan Graham.
The third period was a see-saw battle that saw both teams take penalties. With Swan on a power play, Mole took a holding penalty that saw the Stamps go on an extended 5-on-3 power play. They didn’t mess around, as Matt Osadick won the draw and outlasted the goalie Radomsky to put it home and give the Stamps the 3-2 lead.
Steinbach got a chance on a power play of their own, but Stampeder goalie Michael Davis stood tall in the net. Davis stopped 31 shots in the win, while Radomsky continued his solid play. He deserved a better fate however, as he stopped 22 of 25 Swan Valley shots in the loss.
SPECIAL TEAMS
Both teams went 1 for 8 on their man advantages. Mole’s goal is the only power play goal Steinbach scored on their northern trip, going a dismal 1 for 19 during the three game weekend.
UP NEXT: Steinbach concludes their four game road trip Wednesday night in Portage, as they will take on the Terriers at 7:30 pm. Catch the game live on HockeyTV. The Pistons will return to the TG Smith Centre next Saturday and Sunday for a series with the OCN Blizzard. Puck drop for Saturday’s game is 7:30 pm, while Sunday’s tilt will start at 7:00 pm.