The Portage Terriers picked up a big 3-1 win on the road Wednesday night over the Winkler Flyers. It was a much better start compared to two weeks ago when they traveled to the southern Manitoba community. That night, they fell behind 5-0 before the first period was over. The win means the Dogs head into the Christmas break tied for second in the standings with the Flyers and just two points back of Steinbach for first. The Terriers have also played two fewer games than Winkler.
Portage started strong, scoring in the first two minutes. Austin McLean hit Hayden Lacquette with a nice pass in the slot and he lifted a backhand past Winkler goalie Malachi Klassen. The Flyers didn’t register their first shot till almost halfway through the period. The second half was all Winkler who got two power play opportunities and evened the shot totals. 1-0 Portage after 1.
The physicality picked up in the second period. Kaden Kohle dropped the gloves with Xyon Kiemeney and the Flyers went to a full two-minute 5-on-3 power play. The Terrier defense did a great job blocking shots and shortly after the kill, Matt Wisener sniped a sharp-angle shot to make it 2-0 Portage. Winkler would get on the board late in the second as Mike Svenson finished off a quick pass from the corner to pull his team within one after forty minutes..
The third period continued to be a close tight checking affair with neither team gaining the upper hand. Portage drew two power plays but couldn’t capitalize. Ultimately Ryan Botterill scored his 15th goal of the season into the empty net to put the game out of reach.
The Terriers finished the night 0/6 on the power play and outshot the Flyers 38-26. They also continued their dominance with the leagues number one penalty kill. Winker was 0-4 with the man advantage. Bailey Monteith picked up his 11th win of the season in net.
Portage will now be off for the Christmas break until Jan. 6th when they host the Steinbach Pistons