The Steinbach Pistons fired 49 shots on goal and only allowed 16 yet found themselves on the wrong end of a 4-2 final Tuesday night in Winkler.

For large amounts of the opening period, the Pistons controlled play. A couple of breaks fell Winkler's way and they converted making it 2-0 with just 4 shots towards the net. First, a deflection and the second a loose puck in some feet was found by a Flyer and snapped past Matthew Thiessen.

In the second, the Flyers scored a quick one to make it 3-0 but the Pistons continued to work hard and drew a couple of penalties. 

With the man advantage, Tyson McConnell scored his 15th of the year from Austin Heidemann and Drew Worrad to cut the lead to 3-1.

Steinbach continued to hold a lot of the pressure but was turned away by a stellar performance from Troy Martyniuk of Winkler.

In the third, the Pistons came within a goal after Daniel McKitrick (17) scored a bit of a weird one. After being stopped on a breakaway, the Flyers back-checker slid into the net and pushed the puck over the line to make it 3-2.

The comeback was cut short after a turnover resulted in the Flyers getting a partial breakaway and scoring to make it 4-2.

Steinbach continued to pepper shots on goal but just couldn't find the back of the net despite having a few glorious chances. 

The power play finished 1-8 while the penalty kill was 4-4. Matthew Thiessen can't be faulted for any of the goals against, made 11 saves on the night.

Coaches Notes

Pistons coach Paul Dyck can't fault the effort of his team, despite the results. “Tonight was one of those nights where we could not buy a goal,” head coach Paul Dyck said after the game. “I liked our game in the offensive zone, but we made some decisions in the defensive and neutral zone that cost us.”

In The Future

The Pistons will hit the road on Friday and Saturday before the league takes a break for the upcoming MJHL/SJHL Showcase. They will face the Swan Valley Stampeders on Friday, and the OCN Blizzard on Saturday. Puck drop is set for 7:30 pm on Friday and 7:00 pm on Saturday. You can listen to the game on MIX 96 and Steinbachonline.com.