From Portage Terriers Marketing Director, Cody Buhler
The Portage Terriers came from behind Friday night to beat the Steinbach Pistons 4-3 in double overtime. The Dogs now have a 3-1 series lead with a chance to close things out on Saturday night in Steinbach.
The Pistons came out of the gate hungry in the first period and drew two power play opportunities but were unable to capitalize. They had seven shots on Terrier goalie Mitchell Kathler before Portage was able to register one. The game stayed 0-0 after 1.
Steinbach scored the first goal of the game in the second period, for the first time in the series. Brett Kaiser finished off a nice pass from the corner for his first of the playoffs. Connor Paronuzzi then sniped a beautiful goal off the rush over ten minutes later to make it 2-0 Steinbach. Kyan Grouette responded for Portage cleaning up a Dawson Madden rebound to make it 2-1 heading into the third.
Portage came out like a different team in the third period. Tristan Gravenor scored on the power play and then Will McKay found the back of the net to give Portage their first lead of the night. For both of them it was their first goal of the playoffs. Mathis Laplante tipped a goal past Kathler to tie the game and ultimately send it to overtime.
In the first extra period Portage had the bulk of the chances and outshot Steinbach 3-1. In double overtime, 20-year-old veteran Scott Cousins would play the hero tapping in a nice pass from Caleb Lepitre to win the game.
The Terriers have a chance to move on to the second round on Saturday night when they travel to Steinbach for game five. Puck drop is at 7p.m.