Radomsky extraordinary as Pistons extend series

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This article was published 30/03/2019 (1853 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Matt Radomsky turned in a goaltending performance for the ages Saturday night in Swan River as he backstopped the Steinbach Pistons to an incredible 3-2 victory over the Swan Valley Stampeders, to keep the season alive for the Pistons.

Facing elimination in Swan River after a pair of sub par performances by the Pistons on home ice this week, Radomsky made 57 saves, including 40 in the first two periods alone, in a game the Stampeders outshot the Pistons 59-31.

The series, and the season for the Pistons, is back on.

Swan Valley still leads the series 3-2 but now the series shifts back to Steinbach for game six on Monday where the Pistons will attempt to get it to game seven, which would be played Wednesday at Swan River.

Riley Vautour opened the scoring for the Pistons with 5:41 remaining in the opening period, but the Stampeders quickly responded as Josh Tripp tied it just 16 seconds later.

But then Tyson McConnell, with a massive goal, again gave the Pistons the lead as he scored a powerplay marker with 56 seconds remaining in the first period.

Riley Vautour, with his second of the game, scored a huge goal with 49 seconds left in the second to give the Pistons a 3-1 lead going into the third.

Josh Tripp, with his second of the game, and ninth goal in nine playoff games for the Stampeders, narrowed the gap to 3-2 midway through the third, but the Pistons and Matt Radomsky stood their ground in the final 10 minutes to score their most important victory of the season.

Defenceman Troy Williams assisted on two of the Steinbach goals.

Game time for game six Monday night in Steinbach is 7:30 p.m. Should the defending champion Pistons win, the deciding game in the series will be played Wednesday at 7:30 p.m. in Swan River.

The winner will play the Portage Terriers in the MJHL championship series.