The Steinbach Pistons continue to roll as they defeated the Dauphin Kings 4-1 on Friday night at the T.G Smith Centre and have extended their streak of getting at least a point to 14 straight games. 

After another long lay off for the Pistons, it took a little time to shake the rust off and head coach Paul Dyck was pleased with the effort. "No question the guys were eager to get back into game action. It's been the quietest stretch this season, I think one game in 13 days and at times you get see it, we were a little bit rusty, weren't firing on all cylinders. We had opportunities but missed out just from not being in the right spots at times and a little sloppy in the neutral zone. Hopefully we knocked the rust off and can come out sharper tomorrow (Saturday)."

After heading into the first intermission deadlocked at no score, the Pistons began to push the pace and control play for stretches, much like they have done throughout the season. Another night where Steinbach out shot their opponent, Dyck talked about keeping things level on the bench and not getting frustrated at the amount of chances with no goals. "I know the guys get frustrated, I mean we hit a couple posts in a row and they begin to doubt if the next one is going to go in. We all know that one goal makes the difference and it can open the flood gates. We want to stay with it and sometimes we're guilty as coaches getting frustrated as well but we want to stay with it and we've had success with it. The game plan doesn't change."

Denis Bosc (11) got the scoring started on the power play quickly followed up by another power play marker from Hayden Goderis (19). Dauphin would score on their own power play to head to the third period trailing 2-1 but two goals by Cole Smith (18,19) sealed the victory for Steinbach. Smith, Darby Gula (2), Eddie Eades Bradley Schoonbaert, Anthony Kapelke (who recorded his first point as a Steinbach Piston) and Dan Taillefer (2) had the assists. It's a special milestone for Taillefer as he now has 67 points and has set a Pistons record for points in a season, passing the mark set last year by Tyler Penner (66).

Jeremy Wik has continued his strong play getting win number 13 in a row (.932 sv% 1.76GAA 1 shutout) making 22 saves and Dyck talked about how he's really taken charge since even before the Christmas break. "He's been on a nice roll no question about it. He's really in a zone and taken his game to another level. For the most part we limited their shots but he's been there. There are nights when a goalie isn't' tested but he has to make key saves and that's something he's done well for us.

The power play went 2-5 and the penalty kill went 1-2.

The home stand continues against the Neepawa Natives on Saturday night. The Natives have been eliminated from the playoff picture but that doesn't mean it'll be an easy night for Steinbach and Dyck knows that. "They play hard, they haven't had a lof of success winning games but their young and eager to play. There hasn't been a period where they've laid down for us. We need to bring that early intensity and get a few goals on them."

Earlier in the day the MJHL released their award nominees for the 6 awards presented yearly. Dan Taillefer is up for the Hockey Ability and Sportsmanship Award - Lorne "Windy" Lyndon Memorial Trophy. Roman Bengert is up for Top Goaltender and Paul Dyck is nominated for Coach of the Year. The winners will be honoured at a home game later this month according to MJHL Commissioner Kim Davis.