For a regular season game being played in late November, the Steinbach Pistons and Portage Terriers delivered an edge of your seat, playoff type game with the Pistons coming out on top 3-1 on Wednesday night.

The Pistons who are chasing the top ranked Terriers played a text book hockey game, especially in the defensive zone with everyone doing their respective job. Head coach Paul Dyck was more than pleased with his teams efforts. "We did a lot of the little things well today, we were really focused and any time you play the first place team, top of the pile, you expect a good effort from your team and we did that tonight."

Tyler Penner, who admits to being a bit frustrated by not hitting the score sheet with regularity, busted out for two goals in the opening period and was all smiles post-game. "It feels really good, I mean Portage is a good team and we knew what we needed to do. To get two goals is great but getting the win is better." Dan Taillefer (2) and Cole Smith (2) had the assists on the Penner goals.

The second period passed by with no goals being scored but Roman Bengert and Nathan Park each made some incredible saves that had players from both sides looking up at the lights in the TG Smith Center. After failing to convert on a man advantage, Steinbach ran into a bit of penalty trouble as late in the frame, Mack Graham took a double minor for high sticking. Portage controlled the play but a great job by the ever improving Pistons penalty kill managed to get out of the period unscathed.

Steinbach started the third shorthanded but didn't allow Portage to get any momentum. Connor Martin, one of the more physical Pistons players, was ejected from the game early in the third for a check from behind. No Terrier was hurt on the play but it sent Portage to their third power play with was unsuccessful.

Portage would cut the lead in half with just over 5 minutes to play in the game but Cole Smith rolled a backhander into the open net and sealed the Pistons win.

The power play went 0-1 and 3-3 on the penalty kill

Bengert again played outstanding as he made 32 saves on the night and Dyck knows Bengert is starting to fully hit his stride. "(He) managed the game very well today, I thought he ate pucks when he needed to and made some key saves. The save he made on (Brett) Orr was as good as it gets, if TSN was here, it might be on the highlight reel tonight. It's becoming the norm with Roman and in games like this you need your goalie to step up and he did."

Two home games loom for Steinbach against Waywayseecappo and Neepawa on Friday and Saturday night. Dyck talked about matching the level of intensity and focus the team had against Portage and bringing it against the Wolverines and Natives respectively. "It's easier said than done, we've discussed it immediately against the game and certainly not taking anything away from the teams we play. We've said it many times that any team can win on any night. It's a good test this weekend and we need to come with the same attention to detail and we need all four lines going again."