It was an incredible way to end the MJHL regular season for the Steinbach Pistons who tied the game late in the third before winning in overtime, 3-2 over the OCN Blizzard on Saturday night.

Both teams had a burr under their saddles and the first period was filled with dust ups, punches after whistles and players playing right along the edge. At times, players from both sides let their emotions get the better of them in a game that definitely had a playoff feel to it.

The Blizzard, who were a point away from clinching 3rd in the MJHL standings heading into the post season, scored the only goal in the opening period and took a 1-0 lead into the break.

In the second, both teams settled down and focused on playing hockey. It was well worth it as fans from both sides were treated to end to end rushes, flurries of chances in front of the net and more hard hits. 

Jordan Bochinski continued his recent hot streak, picking up his 21st of the season to tie the game 1-1. Braden Purtill and Darby Gula collected the assists on the captains power play goal.

Just a few seconds later, the Blizzard grabbed the lead back on a deflection infront to make it 2-1. Both teams had a few more chances in the period but neither found the back of the net.

In the final period of regulation, both teams pushed but neither team really bent. In the closing seconds, with the net empty, a scramble in front of the Blizzard net eventually found the stick of Braden Purtill who knocked it home to tie the game with just 22 seconds on the clock. Purtill's goal gives him 14 goals on the season. Ryan Carlson and Tyler Anderson had assists on the goal.

The horn sounded and the regular season wasn't done yet, the fans would be treated to 3 on 3 overtime.

The Pistons and the Blizzard gave it all they had in the extra frame, going hard for that extra point but more for making a statement.

After the Blizzard came down and had a glorious chance turned away by Pistons goalie Roman Bengert, Will Koop grabbed the loose puck and broke out of his own zone, defenseman Darby Gula jumped into the play making it a 2 on 1. Koop slid a perfect pass over to Gula who hit the open net to give the Pistons a 3-2 win. For Gula, it was his 7th goal of the year with assists going to Koop and Danny Pion.

Bengert picked up win 38 on the year making 34 saves on the night. Steinbach's power play was 1-5 while the penalty kill was 2-2.

With the regular season wrapped up, the first round playoff matchups are set. Check out SteinbachOnline.com later this week for a full playoff preview.

Round 1:

(1) Steinbach Pistons vs (8) Neepawa Natives (Expected to start Friday in Steinbach)

(2) Winkler Flyers vs (7) Virden Oil Capitals

(3) OCN Blizzard vs (6) Selkirk Steelers

(4) Portage Terriers vs (5) Winnipeg Blues