The Stampeders first period penalty troubles prove costly Monday night in Steinbach, losing 5-1 to the Pistons to close out their three-in-three road trip.
The Stampeders offence sputtered in Steinbach tonight after the team scored seven in Winnipeg the night before. Defenceman Danny Griffith would pick up Swan Valley’s only goal in the loss, scoring his first as a Stampeder.
Penalties are once again hurting the Swan Valley Stampeders, taking four penalties in the opening frame, one of which was a double minor. Pistons forward Zach Purcell would use their first power play to open the scoring at 3:47, scoring his 12th goal in eight games. After a dust up in the crease, Declan Graham would send a shot on goal from the point that would squeeze through Mikael Foucher just over five minutes later. Steinbach would capitalize on the man advantage 9:16 later, as Tanner Mole out muscled Brenden Saether in front of the goal, tapping home his 11th of the season.
Ty Naaykens would increase the Pistons lead at 12:28 of the middle frame, scoring his 20th of the year. Swan would be awarded a five minute power play but didn’t get a single shot on net. Swan Valley was finally able to solve Matt Lenz late in the second period, as Danny Griffith would blast home his first as a Stampeder at 19:34.
The only goal scored in the final frame came off the stick of Ty Naaykens, picking up his second of the game, sliding his 21st of the year into a empty net with 26.9 seconds left. The empty net goal would ice it for the Pistons, skating to a 5-1 win on home ice.
Final Shots
Swan – 45
Steinbach – 45
Despite the loss tonight in Steinbach, the Stampeders have picked up five out of eight points in their last four games. The club also clinched a playoff berth after Sunday’s win over Winnipeg.
Next action for the Stampeders will be at home Saturday, February 8, against Virden at 7:30pm, and Sunday, February 9 against Selkirk at 6:00pm (Presented by the Westwood).
It will be a very busy weekend at the Centennial Arena as it is parents weekend. Saturday’s game is Minor Hockey Night, any minor hockey player wearing their teams jersey will be admitted free. Taylor School will be signing O Canada Saturday night and the future stars shootout will take place during the intermission.
*NOTE* Stampeder jerseys are still up for bidding at www.stampedershockey.com, and tickets are available for the Comedy and Games night coming up Friday February 7. Tickets can be purchased at Cook & Cooke, Star & Times, or any Stampeder board member.