The Portage Terriers struggled offensively against a tough Steinbach Pistons squad on Friday afternoon falling 6-1. It was the first time the Pistons have beaten the Terriers this season.
Steinbach started the first period strong with two quick goals in the first five minutes. Brayden Barnett was able to get a long shot past Mitchell Kathler and then James Fuchs finished off a 2 on 1 and scored up high. It was a slow first period with nine minor penalties being called, but neither team capitalizing with the extra man. The Pistons outshot Portage 16-9 and were up 2-0 after 1.
Early in the second Sam Noad fired a beautiful shot under the cross bar from a sharp angle to make it 3-0 Pistons. A spirited tilt between Terrier captain Parker Scherr and Barnett wasn’t enough to lift the energy of the Terriers. William McKay was given a five minute major and game misconduct for head contact late in the second and Steinbach added another goal on the power play. 4-0 Pistons after 2.
Down by four goals Cam Bullinger got his team on the board with a shorthanded goal. It was his first since January 4. Christian Green made some big saves in the Pistons net stopping any thoughts of a Terrier comeback. Steinbach would add two more goals on the power play before the end of the third period putting the game out of reach.
This was the final meeting of the season between the Terriers and Pistons. Portage will be back in action Saturday night against the Selkirk Steelers. The next home game will be on Monday at 3:30pm in the Louis Riel Day Classic.
Learn more about Monday’s game and skate with the Terriers here.