Pistons humbled by Neepawa Natives

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 11/10/2017 (2387 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

The Steinbach Pistons took it on the chin Wednesday night in Neepawa as the resurgent Neepawa Natives dumped the favoured Steinbach Pistons 6-1 at the Yellowhead Centre.

You will no doubt recall what occurred last spring when the pennant-winning Pistons faced the Natives, the final post-season qualifier, in the first round of the playoffs. The Natives gave the Pistons fits before the Pistons finally won the series in six.

Wednesday’s game in Neepawa was the first meeting between the two clubs since that tremendous series last March.

The Pistons actually scored first in the contest as Tristen Robbins beat Evan Robert for the game’s first goal six minutes after the opening face-off. But the Natives tied it just 14 seconds later and and slowly pulled away as they led 5-1 after 40 minutes.

The Neepawa production was spread around as six different players beat Matt Radomsky on the night. Neepawa outshot Steinbach 36-34.

Steinbach falls to 6-2 on the season, tied for second in the standings with Virden, one point back of the leading OCN Blizzard. Neepawa improved to 5-2-1, and are now just a point back of the Pistons.

The Pistons will host a home-and-home series with the Winnipeg Blues this weekend, who have struggled out of the gates with a 2-6-1 record. The Pistons will host the Blues Friday at 7:30 p.m. in Steinbach and then the return match-up will be Saturday at 7:00 p.m. at the Bell MTS Iceplex.