The Pistons (40-7-1) went into Friday night’s game against Portage (31-15-2) on an 8 game winning streak. The streak ended against the Terriers in a 2-1 defeat.
Portage opened the scoring early in the first period on the powerplay when Ty Enns fired his shot past Roman Bengert. The goal was assisted by Riley Thiessen and Layne Toder.
Portage dominated in shots on goal in the first period, with 16 to Steinbach’s 8. The momentum was with the Terriers for the majority of the first frame.
When the Terrier’s net was under pressure, goalie Kurtis Chapman was on his A game. Chapman made saves on 32 of the 33 shots he faced, including an absolutely top save against Mack Graham to keep the score 1-0.
The Pistons came out with a flurry of shots in the second period, however the Terriers would double the lead through Chase Brakel at 6:55. Brakel was assisted by Jeremey Leipsic and Ryan Sokoloski.
At 9:42 of the second period Portage’s captain Reilly Thiessen took a minor penalty for his cross-check on Vaughn Dupre. Dupre was all over the ice for Steinbach, forechecking and backchecking. He made himself a nuisance, and his team was awarded a power play for his hard work.
Tyler Anderson closed the gap with his 8th goal of the season on the power play at 10:57. Wyatt Hinson found Mack Graham at the point who put the puck on Anderson’s stick. Anderson made a move and beat Chapman to make it 2-1.
The Pistons would take the momentum into the third period when the game speed slowed down quite a bit. There were fewer shots and overall chances in the third, Portage would end up holding on to the victory despite Pistons Head coach Paul Dyck pulling Roman Bengert for the extra attacker in the dying seconds.
The Pistons remain at home for their game against Winkler next Friday at the T.G. Smith Centre. The puck drops at 7:30.
Three Stars of the Game
1st: Tyler Anderson (Steinbach) PP Goal
2nd: Chase Brakel (Portage) Game Winning Goal
3rd: Braden Purtill (Steinbach)