The Portage Terriers started slow but finished strong to beat the Winnipeg Blues 3-1 on Wednesday night at Stride Place.
The first period was a penalty filled affair with five minor penalties taken and four straight against the Blues. It would be Winnipeg though that broke the ice when Nikolas Iafrate sniped a shot over the shoulder of Portage goalie Ryan Velan. After letting in the early goal, Velan was able to shut the door the rest of the way.
The Terriers controlled much of the play throughout the night and capitalized on a backhand tip from Cam Bullinger on the power play to tie the game. 1-1 after 1. Portage outshot the Blues 14-4 in the first.
With more 5 on 5 time in the second period the chances started to balance out, but the Blues had a hard time generating quality shots on Velan.
Bullinger scored his second of the night, and team leading 9th goal of the season midway through the third period to break the deadlock. It was a perfect shot that went off the cross bar and in. Bullinger now leads the MJHL in points with 24. The Terriers finished the game strong and Rhett Perrin scored his first goal of the season into the empty net.
Portage will now get ready to play the Virden Oil Capitals on Friday night at 7:30pm.
