The Portage Terriers survived an onslaught of penalties and pulled out a third consecutive victory against the Steinbach Pistons by a 5-3 score.
Late in the first period, a surprise cut to the front of the net resulted in a goal, as Dawson Madden got around the Steinbach defender and slipped a pass across the ice. Caleb Lepitre was at the post and tapped it in for his ninth of the season. 1-0 Portage after the first period.
Decker Mujcin would extend the lead in the second as a shot from the slot trickled through the goaltender Christian Green and into the back of the net.
Steinbach would answer back on a 2-on-1 to with a cross-ice pass that landed in a perfect spot for Brett Kaiser to put home.
But Portage proved that one good break deserves another as they found another lane for a pass to the net front. Nolan Nenow sent a puck across the crease to Tristan Gravenor, who added his 14th of the season to make it 3-1 after 40 minutes.
Each team would score a pair in the third period with William McKay sealing the deal with the winner and the empty netter to send his team home happy after a 5-3 victory.
The special teams came to play for Portage, as they went 6/6 on the penalty kill, and despite not scoring, the powerplay created some good chances.
McKay spoke after the game about how helpful it is to have a special teams unit that can have so much success.
"Honestly, we have a great group of guys here that battle through adversity. We get it done and that's what great teams need."
Portage will be back in Steinbach on Sunday, February 2, with puck drop at 7 p.m.