The Portage Terriers couldn’t complete a late game comeback against the Winkler Flyers on Wednesday night and lost 5-3. The Flyers thrived on home ice playing a heavy physical brand of hockey.
Special teams were a huge factor in the game with Winkler dominating on both the power play and penalty kill. The Flyers opened the scoring on a five on three power play. Jace Legaarden was left open at the back door and he tapped it in. While the Terriers were short handed a Winkler player was pushed onto Portage goalie Jayden Catellier. He left the game at the halfway point of the period and didn’t return. Catellier stopped 7 of 8 shots he faced.
The Flyers added another power play goal before the end of the period. 2-0 Winkler after 1.
The Terriers opened the second period on fire. Matthew Biros got Portage on the board beating Malachi Klassen low glove side. Decker Mujcin then tied the game seconds later when he cleaned up a rebound in front of the net. The game was tied less than a minute into the second period.
Play settled down but eventually Winkler would regain their two goal lead with markers from Avery Anderson and league MVP Trent Penner. 4-2 Winkler after 2.
The third period was once again a penalty filled affair. Daniel Siso drew Portage to within one when he scored a power play goal at the side of the net. Midway through the period Flyers forward Mike Svenson received a 5-minute major and game misconduct for charging Adler Johnston. The Flyers then took another penalty giving Portage a long 5 on 3 power play. Despite numerous chances and some big saves by Klassen, Portage couldn’t tie the game. Using this momentum Winkler scored a late shorthanded goal and put the game out of reach. Renwick made 10 saves for Portage on 14 shots. The Terriers finished the night 1/8 while the flyers were 2/5 on the power play.
The Flyers now have a 2-1 series lead as it shifts back to Portage on Friday night. Puck drop is set for 7:30pm.