For the third time this month the Spruce Kings and Express will wage war. The previous two meetings went 3-2 Prince George, one in overtime, the other in regulation. Safe to say that the Express will be bent on getting revenge on home ice. They will have to deal with a heavily motivated Spruce Kings squad that’s on the outside looking in at that eighth and final playoff spot in the Coastal Conference. If Coquitlam felt that pressure applied by their adversary back at the beginning of February, it will be even more intense now.
The Spruce Kings have made a go at catching the Langley Rivermen but hit a bit of a hiccup last weekend at home. The Chilliwack Chiefs went on the road and took care of business at Kopar Memorial, defeating the Spruce Kings twice. Prince George now sit four points back and have a busy weekend ahead of them to make up ground. With this being the first game of a three-game trip away from home, they will likely look to come out swinging. They have to capitalize on being fresh tonight and find motivation in the fact they have beaten the Express twice earlier this month.
On the flipside for the Express, they need to bring out the version of themselves that beat Sherwood Park 5-2 last weekend. Dominance was established in the forecheck and playing smart neutral zone coverage to generate turnovers. This Prince George team is far more physical than the Crusaders but that only means the compete level must be there to match it. Coquitlam should play this game like they too are fighting for that final playoff position, which there is partial truth to that sentiment. The Express are three points back of the fourth place Capitals, whom hold tight to the final home ice advantage position at present. If playing Game 1 and 2 at the Poirier is what they desire, this weekend will be a big step towards earning that. Cowichan is at the Train Station on Saturday night so the opportunity exists to get within one point at the conclusion of tonight and then overtake the Capitals with a win in two days time.
A member of the Express that continues to stay hot is Thomas Zocco. With 10 goals in his last 10 games played including a hat trick, the Spruce Kings will need to work to contain his offensive exploits. The new additions at the trade deadline will also have a chance to continue impressing. Nolan Flynn scored his first goal for Coquitlam during the 5-2 victory over Sherwood Park and Connor Seeley made a wonderful backhand pass between the legs to set up Trip Pendy. Cam Russo is still in search of his first since joining the Black and Yellow but has been a good forechecker and defensive presence. Then there is Alex Stahl who was calm and collected on the backend in his lone appearance last weekend against Blackfalds. James Shannon, Mason Kesselring and Joseph Odyniec all tallied goals last weekend too so the top liners are heating up for the home stretch. Consistency will be the mantra up and down the lineup as the final month of the regular season is fast approaching.
There’s still time to grab those tickets! Or be sure to join us on the FloHockey broadcast as the action has only gotten more exceptional with the hunt for Fred Page looming a month away.
– Ian Wilson
