Chapman earns the shut out with 29 saves. File Photo
Despite bad weather and slippery roads, the Terriers made their way to Selkirk and picked up the win in game 5. Kurtis Chapman earned the first shut out of this series in net for Portage with a 3-0 final over the hometown Steelers.
Sokoloski was the first to score redirecting a McIsaac point shot past Dola just past the halfway mark of the first. Josh Martin received a 4 minute minor for spearing with 3 minutes to go, but the Terriers were able to shut down Selkirk’s powerplay and head to intermission up 1-0 outshooting the Selkirk 14-8.
With :12 to go in Martin’s minor, Sokoloski picked up a 2 minute penalty for high sticking. Portage killed both penalties and 18 seconds later Barnstable doubled the Dogs lead scoring unassisted on the breakaway with 2 great moves beating Dola. Portage would hold their 2-0 lead with the help of some timely saves in net by Kurtis Chapman.
Both teams would trade opportunities in the third, but Chapman earned the shut out making 29 saves and Leipsic would score his second empty netter of the post season for a 3-0 Terrier final.
Coach and GM Blake Spiller talked about getting some of the bounces we weren’t getting earlier in the series and playing tough defensively shutting down Selkirk’s biggest offensive weapons.
The Terriers have tomorrow off and will practice Sunday before hosting game 6 of the Quarterfinal series Monday night at 7:30pm at Stride Place. The Terriers lead the series 3-2 and have a chance to close out the series on home ice.