VIRDEN — The Steinbach Pistons are one victory away from their first Manitoba Junior Hockey League title since the 2017-18 season.
Kirk Mullen scored twice and added an assist to spark the Pistons to a 5-3 triumph over the Virden Oil Capitals before 1,478 fans at Tundra Oil & Gas Place.
The win gave Steinbach a 3-1 lead in the best-of-seven league final.
Ty Plaisier of the Virden Oil Capitals and Ian Amsbaugh of the Steinbach Pistons battle for position during the first period. (Lucas Punkari / The Brandon Sun)
Travis Hensrud, Dawson Milliken and Davin Griffin also scored for the Pistons, who host Game 5 Saturday at 7:30 p.m.
Joey Bielik, Bray Rookes and Josh Lehto replied with goals for the Oil Caps.
The teams were tied 1-1 after 20 minutes. Steinbach led 4-3 after two periods.
Dominik Wasik earned his third victory of the series, stopping 29 shots in the Steinbach net.
Virden goaltender Owen LaRocque made 31 saves.
Game 6, if necessary, is scheduled for Virden on Monday at 7:30 p.m.
The winner of the series also earns a berth in the Centennial Cup national junior A hockey championship, slated for Portage la Prairie, May 11-21.
