Twice in the game the Steinbach Pistons scored goals less than 20 seconds apart, using the powerful offense to defeat the Northern Manitoba Blizzard 6-2 on Friday night.
Sam Noad got the scoring started as the 19-year-old crashed net while on a power play and whacked home his first of the season. Jamie Fuchs picked up the lone assist.
The lead didn't last as the Blizzard responded just 23 seconds later, knotting the game up 1-1.
Steinbach did manage to regain the lead thanks to another gorgeous snipe from Mathis Laplante, who wired home his 5th of the season, showcasing his amazing shot to give his club a 2-1 lead.
In the second period, Steinbach would strike back-to-back times in in less than 20 seconds.
First, it was Noah Szabo who placed a perfect pin-point shot just inside the far post for the captains 5th of the season already. The lone assist went to Fuchs but it was also aided by some strong work by Brayden Barnett, who helped force turnovers down low thanks to a strong, intimidating forecheck.
Before the 3-1 goal could even be announced, Brody Green walked in and sent a laser top shelf, right under the crossbar for the Northern Michigan commits 4th of the year. Jackson Kostiuk had one assist while Spencer Penner, playing in his 150th MJHL game, also nabbed a helper.
The Blizzard would get a little closer, scoring a power play goal to cut the lead to 4-2.
They pushed to find more but goalie Christian Green stood tall, keeping Steinbach's lead in tact heading into the second intermission.
Another pair of quick strikes put the game away.
Brayden Berg, back in the lineup after missing some time due to an ailment, was the benefactor of a wonderful pass from Shane Burns, who bullied his way into the offensive zone, drew all the attention on to himself, leaving Berg wide open back door for Berg's 3rd of the year. Kostiuk collected his second point of the night with the secondary assist.
Before Jamie Roy could even start announcing the Berg goal, Laplante stole a puck in the Blizzard zone, walked in and wired home his second of the game. The unassisted goal was Laplante's 6th, making him a goal-a-game player to this point of the year.
The Pistons locked the game down from there and walked out of the HyLife Centre with a 6-2 win.
Christian Green improved to 5-0 on the year, finishing the night with a tidy 18 saves.
The power play was 1-5 while the penalty kill was a strong 4-5.
Steinbach will head to Portage to take on the Terriers on Saturday night. Puck drop is set for 7:30 pm.