The Portage Terriers dropped a close game to the Winnipeg Blues Saturday night 2-1. It’s Portage’s second loss in a row and the 6th straight win for Winnipeg.
The first period didn’t start the way Portage hoped as Dylan Winsor was called for slashing in the first two minutes. After killing the penalty Portage looked strong getting some great chances point blank on Winnipeg goalie Dawson Green. The game looked to be scoreless heading into the intermission, but with exactly one minute to go Josiah Vanderhooft opened the scoring for the Blues. He came out from the corner and beat Chris Fines with a quick wrist shot over his shoulder.
The Blues and Terriers had a hard time staying out of the penalty box in the second period with both teams getting brief 5 on 3 power plays. Seven minor penalties were taken in total. The penalty kill looked strong for both teams and the Terriers were aided with a few shots hitting the post.
The third period was similar to the first. Chances were had but nobody was able to set up with sustained pressure. Winnipeg took a two-goal lead when Mathieu Moreira scored on a two on one partial break. With three minutes to play Portage got on the board. Thomas Kaufield hit Tyler Dodgson with a beautiful pass driving to the net. He beat Green over the pad as he split the defence.
Portage pulled Fines and poured on the pressure over the last few minutes but were unable to tie the game. Portage outshot Winnipeg
37-26. The Terriers and Blues will meet again Friday night in Winnipeg at 7:30pm.
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