The Virden Oil Capitals responded in a big way Wednesday night, defeating the Steinbach Pistons 6-2 at Tundra Oil & Gas Place to take a commanding 3-1 series lead in the second round of the playoffs.
After dropping Game 3 the night before, the Oil Caps came out determined, delivered one of their most complete efforts of the postseason, and put themselves one win away from advancing.
Virden wasted no time getting on the board, as Schaefer scored on the power play just 1:16 into the opening period, finishing a play from Hoilett and Bryant. That early goal helped establish the pace, and the Oil Caps carried a 1-0 lead into the intermission after a strong first 20 minutes.
The Oil Caps broke the game open in the middle frame with three more goals. At 6:08, Siemens extended the lead to 2-0, finishing a setup from Light. Just over a minute later, Deschamps made it 3-0, with Siemens and Light both collecting assists.Virden added another late in the period when Goertzen scored on the power play, with Plaisier and Osiowy drawing the assists, giving the Caps a 4-0 lead after two periods.
Steinbach got on the board early in the third period when Kostiuk scored on the power play at 12:28, but the Oil Capitals answered quickly. Hoilett restored the momentum with a goal, before Worthington added another power-play marker at 14:54, extending the lead to 6-1 Steinbach scored once more late in the third, but the Oil Caps had already taken full control.
Virden once again showed off its depth, with goals from Schaefer, Siemens, Deschamps, Goertzen, Hoilett, and Worthington.
Several Oil Caps also contributed multi-point efforts, with Light, Siemens, and Plaisier helping drive the offense in a balanced team win.
Goaltender Burdeny was solid once again, stopping 27 of 29 shots to backstop the Oil Capitals to victory.
Virden outshot Steinbach 41-29 and made the most of its special teams chances, finishing 3-for-6 on the power play, while holding the Pistons to 1-for-4.
With the win, the Oil Caps now hold a 3-1 series lead and are just one victory away from punching their ticket to the next and final round.
After a quick response on home ice, Virden heads into the next game with momentum and a chance to close out the series.
Final Score
Virden Oil Capitals 6
Steinbach Pistons 2
Series
Virden leads Round 2 series 3-1
