The Virden Oil Capitals have forced a game seven. The Portage Terriers couldn’t get their offense going on Sunday night as they lost 7-1 in Virden. It was the most lopsided loss the Terriers have suffered this season.
The game was tight in the first period with both teams staying out of the box. Virden opened the scoring midway through the period. Colton Miller tipped a shot perfectly over the shoulder of Terrier goalie Jayden Catellier. Shots were 11-11 after 1.
Portage jumped out early in the second period and tied the game. Bryden Kiesman held off a couple of defenders and slipped it under Virden goalie Owen LaRoque. The tied game didn’t last long. A blocked Terrier shot turned into a breakaway for Virden Captain Brody Wilson. He made a nice backhand move and gave the Oil Capitals their second lead of the night. Nolan Chastko banged home a rebound less than a minute later and the Oil Capitals never looked back. Portage’s power play looked good but couldn’t find the back of the net. Their man advantage has yet to score in the series. After two periods it was 3-1 Virden.
Portage came into the third period with the hope of a comeback, but the hope didn’t last long. Roux Bazin scored a gorgeous one-timer on the power play less than seven minutes into the frame to put the game out of reach. Virden then added goals from Trevor Hunt, Andrew Blocker, and Josh Lehto down the stretch. Seven Oil Caps each had a goal and Hunt led the way with a goal and two assists.
Portage will now play in their first game seven since winning the Turnbull Cup final in 2019. Reece Henry scored the game-winning goal for Portage in overtime to win that game.
Game seven will be Wednesday at 7:30 at Stride Place. Take a look at the highlights of the last game 7 in Portage in 2019...
#MJHLPlayoffs | Re-live the sights and sounds from game 7 of the 2019 MJHL Finals as the Portage Terriers outlasted the Swan Valley Stampeders to raise the Turnbull Trophy. pic.twitter.com/7dg7SjMy5r
— #theMJ (@mjhlhockey) March 22, 2020