Matt Christian scored the game winning goal on the power-play early in the second period to help the Winkler Flyers double up the Winnipeg Blues 4-2 on Tuesday night. Back on home ice, the Orange and Black scored first and never trailed, winning their second consecutive game against Winnipeg.
Looking to get back on track after a disappointing loss in their last game, the Flyers were after a good start against the Blues. The Flyers and Blues last night in late September which saw Winkler take the game 2-1 in overtime. Just before the nine minute mark of the opening period, Lawson McDonald had his shot knocked down in front and Nolan McGuire was there to bang home his ninth of the year, giving Winkler a 1-0 advantage. Will Blake also assisted on the goal.
Unfortunately for Winkler, Dexter Kuczek pulled the Blues even just a minute and a half later. The Flyers got that one right back with 7:58 left in the period thanks to Justin Paulson’s first goal as a Flyer. After taking a cross ice pass from forward Braden Billaney, Paulson let a wrist shot go from the top of the right wing faceoff circle and the Flyers were back in front 2-1.
But once again, Kuczek tied the game for Winnipeg not even a minute later and the two teams skated into the first intermission tied 2-2.
Early in the second period, the Flyers took the lead for good. Just before the two minute mark of the period, Lawson McDonald once again had his shot stopped in front and Matt Christian was there to put in the rebound giving Winkler a 3-2 lead. Tyler Jubenvill also assisted on Christian’s fifth goal of the season.
Still leading by one goal in the final period, Braden Billaney gave the Flyers the insurance they needed with 8:20 left on the clock. Nico Labossiere and Jeff Michiels picked up the helpers on Billaney’s fifth of the year and the Flyers lead had grown to 4-2.
Cole Weaver earned his seventh win in nine starts. He made 26 saves in the game as the Flyers outshot the Blues 35-28. Winkler went 1-for-4 on the power-play and 3-for-3 on the penalty-kill.
The Flyers (12-5-0) will now prepare for a three games in three nights road trip which will begin Friday night in Dauphin. The Flyers will also play Saturday evening and Sunday afternoon in OCN. All three games can be heard live on Country 88.9FM and online at www.pembinavalleyonline.com with your Voice of the Flyers Matt Friesen.
GREAT CANADIAN OIL CHANGE THREE STARS
1st Star – F Braden Billaney (Winkler)
2nd Star – F Matt Christian (Winkler)
3rd Star – F Dexter Kuczek (Winnipeg)