In another high powered offensive performance, the Oil Caps defeated the Steinbach Pistons 8-4 on Saturday night at the Southeast Event Centre, completing a huge two-game road sweep to open the second round of the playoffs.
Virden once again showed its offensive depth, special teams strength, and ability to respond in key moments, putting together another statement win in hostile territory.
The Oil Caps struck first midway through the opening period when Goertzen scored on the power play at 5:25, with assists from Wright and Osiowy. Virden kept pressing, and Drake doubled the lead at 10:15, finishing a setup from Draper and Laing. Later in the frame, Light made it 3-0, with Siemens and Ulmer drawing the assists. Steinbach got one back late in the period as Miles scored at 19:03, but the Oil Caps still carried a strong 3-1 lead into the first intermission.
Virden wasted no time adding to the lead in the second period when Lewko scored just 2:39 in, with assists from Bryant and Worthington, making it 4-1. Steinbach responded with a goal from Doyle at 4:57, but the Caps answered once again late in the frame. With under a minute to play, Bryant struck on the power play, converting a chance set up by Goertzen to send Virden into the third period up 5-2.
The Pistons made one last push in the third period, scoring on the power play to cut the lead to 5-3, but Virden quickly shut down any momentum. Ulmer restored the three-goal cushion at 11:04, finishing a play from Siemens, before Bryant took over late. Bryant scored twice in less than two minutes, first at 15:37, then again at 17:22, to put the game out of reach and complete a dominant night for the Oil Capitals. Steinbach added one more late goal from Paronuzzi, but by then the result was well in hand.
The offensive spotlight once again belonged to Bryant, who delivered a hat trick and added an assist in a huge Game 2 performance. Virden also got goals from Goertzen, Drake, Light, Lewko, and Ulmer, showing once again just how dangerous the lineup can be from top to bottom.
Despite the high scoring game, goaltender Burdeny was excellent when called upon, making 33 saves on 37 shots to help preserve the win.
Virden outshot Steinbach 35-37, but capitalized on its chances and made key plays at the right time.
Winning both games on the road to open a playoff series is a massive statement, and the Oil Caps now return to Tundra Oil & Gas Place with full momentum and a chance to take complete control of Round 2.
Games 3&4 are in Virden Tuesday & Wednesday this week.
Final Score
Virden Oil Capitals 8
Steinbach Pistons 4
Series
Virden leads Round 2 series 2-0
