Terriers Win Third Straight

Another close game went Portage's way last night as they beat the visiting Steinbach Pistons 4-3 at Stride Place. The Terriers' power play came alive early, and the penalty kill stepped up big when called upon.

For the third game in a row, the Steinbach Pistons opened the scoring. A rebound off the end boards came to Wyatt Hinson at the side of the net, and he was able to slip it home. Steinbach would parade to the penalty box in the first period, with four minor penalties. Portage took advantage with less than a minute to go in the first period. Ty Barnstable tipped a Ty Enns point shot to tie the game at one.

Steinbach would regain their one goal lead early in the second period when Jordan Bochinski drove the Terrier net. Danny Pion cleaned up the rebound and slid it underneath Terrier goalie Brock Aiken. Offensive depth is key in the playoffs, and Portage had it on display four minutes later when Scott Mickoski scored his second of the post-season. The faceoff was won to him in the slot, and his shot deflected off a stick over the glove of Roman Bengert.

The Terriers took their first lead of the game three minutes later with Barnstable's second power play goal and league-leading ninth of the playoffs. The penalty kill would go to work for Portage as Carter McMurdo took out Will Koop from behind. He was given a five-minute major and a game misconduct which the Terriers were able to kill off.

Ryan Sokoloski added some insurance for Portage six minutes into the third period when he deflected Layne Toder's point shot. It turned out to be the game-winner, as Koop tipped one past Aiken to draw the Pistons within one late in the frame. Steinbach tried to complete a comeback similar to Portage in game 3, but they were unable to score twice with the net empty. Aiken made 26 saves in the win for Portage.

The Dogs now have a 3-1 series lead heading back to Steinbach for game five Sunday night at 7:30 pm. The game will be broadcast on CFRY and Portageonline.com starting with the pregame show at 7:20 pm.

For the complete box score click here.