Despite a strong push from the Oil Capitals on home ice, the Pistons capitalized on key moments and used a consistent offensive attack to get back into the series Tuesday night, defeating the Oil Caps 6-4 at Tundra Oil & Gas Place in Game 3 of the second-round playoff series.
Steinbach opened the scoring early as Paronuzzi found the back of the net just 2:13 into the first period. The Pistons extended their lead midway through the frame when Noad scored, putting Virden in an early hole. The Oil Caps responded quickly, as Lewko cut the deficit to one, finishing a play from Osiowy and Worthington to make it 2-1 heading into the intermission.
Virden came out strong in the second period and tied the game early, with Hoilett scoring just 1:56 in, assisted by Wright. But Steinbach answered back when McDonald restored the Pistons’ lead. The Oil Caps continued to push, and Goertzen tied the game again, capitalizing on a setup from Plaisier and Wright. Once again, however, Steinbach responded quickly, with Hoffman scoring to regain the lead. Late in the period, Bryant brought Virden back within one at 17:46, finishing a play from Lewko and Worthington, making it a tight 4-3 game after two periods.
The third period saw Steinbach take control. The Pistons extended their lead early when Ingebritson scored, and despite Virden’s push to find an equalizer, they were unable to break through. Steinbach sealed the game late with an empty-net goal from Hoffman at 19:42, securing the 6-4 victory.
The Oil Capitals showed resilience throughout the game, battling back multiple times and getting goals from Lewko, Hoilett, Goertzen, and Bryant.Virden outshot Steinbach 34-29, but were unable to capitalize on key opportunities, including going 0-for-2 on the power play.
With the win, Steinbach cuts into the series, while the Oil Caps still hold a 2-1 series lead heading into Game 4.
Final Score
Steinbach Pistons 6
Virden Oil Capitals 4
Series
Virden leads Round 2 series 2-1
