A two goal lead wasn’t enough for the Portage Terriers to hold off the Neepawa Titans on Friday night as they fell 5-4 in a shootout.

The Terriers came out of the gate flying with a pair of quick goals in the first four minutes from Daniel Siso and Parker Scherr. It looked like Portage might run away with the game but the Titans had other ideas. Connor Thompson tipped a point shot on the power play to get Neepawa on the board. Within 17 seconds, before the Terriers had a chance to reset, the Titans scored again off the rush to tie the game at two. Before the end of the period Slade Stanick fired a shot through Titan goalie Mason Lobreau on the power play to put the Terriers in front. 3-2 Portage after 1.

The second period started much like the first with a quick Terrier goal. Adler Johnston scored his first of the season from Aidan Brook. Neepawa played a consistent game with plenty of pressure and never let up. Tim Tychonick scored for the Titans early in the second and then four minutes later Kyle Weisgarber tied the game at 4.

Both goalies went into lockdown mode and shut the door the rest of the way making highlight reel saves in the process.

Overtime was hotly contested with no “Grade-A” scoring chances.

The shootout wasn’t much better for Portage who went 0-5. Titans forward Colton Alexander ended it in the fifth round with a nice move over the shoulder of Terrier goalie Gavin Renwick.

Portage finished the night 1/2 on the power play and were outshot 36-28.

The Terriers are back in action Sunday night in Winnipeg against the Blues at 6pm.