The Steinbach Pistons have advanced to the MJHL Finals for the first time since 2018 after defeating the Virden Oil Capitals in six games.
In the opening four games of this series, things could have gone either way as the Oil Capitals gave the Pistons everything they had and then some. The two clubs split their home and home series in games one through four that included two overtime wins going the way of the Pistons with both game winners coming in the opening thirty seconds of extra time.
A turning point in the series took place when Pistons Head Coach, Paul Dyck made the switch in net from Will Hambley to Simon Harkness that seemed to spark his club to buckle down in their defensive zone and commit to playing a stronger two-way game.
The Pistons were humming on offense throughout the series, averaging over four goals per game thanks to strong performance from their top line in Zach Power, Braden Birnie and Quinton Pepper. Boasting a third best playoff powerplay (25.7%) conversion rate and second best penalty kill (82.1%) the Pistons special teams will no doubt be a factor moving on into the final round.
Meeting for the second time (2013) in MJHL history, the Steinbach Pistons and Dauphin Kings are now set to clash in the MJHL Finals. It will be the first and second place teams from the regular season meeting for a chance to hoist the coveted Turnbull Memorial Trophy.
Stay tuned for the full schedule of the 2022 MJHL Championship series.
ROUND TWO
Pistons win best-of-seven series 4-2
Game 1: Virden (4) @ Steinbach (5) 1OT
Game 2: Virden (4) @ Steinbach (2)
Game 3: Steinbach (5) @ Virden (4) 1OT
Game 4: Steinbach (1) @ Virden (2)
Game 5: Virden (2) @ Steinbach (8)
Game 6: Steinbach (4) @ Virden (2)
ROUND ONE
Pistons win best-of-seven series 4-1
Game 1: Selkirk (2) @ Steinbach (5)
Game 2: Steinbach (1) @ Selkirk (3)
Game 3: Selkirk (0) @ Steinbach (3)
Game 4: Steinbach (6) @ Selkirk (5)
Game 5: Selkirk (3) @ Steinbach (4)
Pistons Playoff Leaders
F – Zach Power 11GP | 8G | 12A | 20PTS
F – Braden Birnie 11GP | 9G | 10A | 19PTS
G – Simon Harkness 3-1-0 | 2.51GAA | .904SV%
