Sokoloski scores game winner.
Portage takes a 3-1 lead in the semifinal series against the Steinbach Pistons last night at Stride Place with their third straight win.
Steinbach opened the scoring early when Wyatt Hinson buried a rebound off the boards 4:04 in to the first. Portage was able to even things up just before the period ended when Ty Barnstable tipped home a Ty Enns shot from the point.
Steinbach regained their lead early in the second when Pion slid a rebound past Brock Aiken. 4 minutes later Scott Mickoski picked up his second of the post season scoring from the slot on Roman Bengert.
Ty Barnstable scored his second of the game on the powerplay for Portage’s first lead of the game and his 9th of the playoffs. A few minutes later defenceman Carter McMurdo picked up a 5 minute match penalty and a game misconduct for a hit from behind and the Terriers went on the penalty kill where they held the Pistons off.
Early in the third Sokoloski would win the draw back to Layne Toder who would throw it on net and Sokoloski would tip it past Bengert for a 2 goal Terrier lead and the eventual game winner.
With 2:23 to go, Roman Bengert would take the bench for the extra Piston’s attacker. Steinbach was looking to get back in it and Koop was able to get one past Aiken to come within one, but they were unable to tie the game.
Aiken picks up his third straight win in net stopping 26 shots. Portage leads the series 3-1 and can close it out on Sunday in Steinbach with a win.