The Steinbach Pistons pushed their recent winning streak to 8 games after defeating the Virden Oil Capitals 3-2 on December the 21st.

Both teams came out strong in the first half of the opening period. Steinbach killed off a penalty within the first five minutes of the game and while Virden had a couple of chances, Matthew Thiessen stood tall.

With under four minutes to go, a power play was given to the Pistons and Will Koop sniped home his 16th of the year from Daniel McKitrick and Darby Gula to make it 1-0. 

Steinbach had the edge in shots after 20 minutes 10-7 and took the one-goal lead into the break. 

A hard fought, well played second period produced two goals, one for each team.

First, the Oil Capitals tied the game on a wrist shot from Jayden Wojciechowski.

As that goal was being announced in the arena, Brendan Martin roofed a perfect shot for his 7th of the year from Declan Graham and Gula to give Steinbach their lead back heading into the third.

Midway through the final period, after some great work by the whole Pistons line, Jack Johnson went to the net and scored his 9th goal of the year from Tyson McConnell and Jaret Lalli to make it 3-1.

The Oil Caps did get one back to cut the lead to 3-2 but the Pistons played solid defence and Thiessen held the fort as they came away with their 8th straight win.

Thiessen picked up the win making 30 saves. The power play was 1-1 and the penalty kill was 3-3.

The Pistons have won all 3 games they've played in Virden this year. The Pistons record is now 28-7-1 and sit first in the MJHL with 57 points.

Steinbach will enjoy some time off before getting back to the TG Smith Centre when they face the Selkirk Steelers on Saturday night.