The Loch Ness Monster was simply unbelievable in Game 4. 63 saves for his second career playoff shutout was the difference as the Express now head to Victoria with a 2-2 series. In a contest that was the epitome of close playoff hockey, all it took was one goal to declare a winner. Ness and Kelsey made big stops throughout the entirety of regulation and held the line firm to give us the second overtime contest of the series.
The hero to end the night in the extra frame was Jack Sullivan. His second goal of the series materialized as he broke across the blueline, saw an opening low-blocker, and ripped it home on the rush. His prior marker was the first Express goal in Game 3 and that one was incredibly timely as well. Talking with him postgame it was evident that he is taking this elevated top-four role seriously and committed to being better each and every night. You can’t argue with that sentiment because he is producing at both ends of the ice. Big hits and a plethora of dexterous poke-checks adorned his highlight reel for the night.
Let’s circle back to Andrew Ness. With the conclusion of Game 4, the Pride of Winnipeg, Manitoba has stopped 204 shots. Plenty of those have been quite frankly sensational and his work ethic is providing Coquitlam every chance to succeed. If you aren’t ready to run through a wall for a 20-year-old that is playing his heart out like Andrew, it’s time to take a long look in the mirror.
Cale Colwell was also lights out in the defensive zone yesterday and was an honorable mention for the energy player of the game with the amount of shots he blocked at critical moments. The reigning most-improved player for the 2024-2025 season kept the motor high as he generated offence with his feet and set up some big chances. Cam Russo was the eventual pick due to his relentless work ethic in both the neutral zone and enabling his teammates with selfless plays and big hits to free up space. There were plenty of near-goals that resulted from the play of the Brown commit.
A big turning point for this game was a potential goal that was scored by the Grizzlies in the middle frame. There was contact with Andrew Ness prior to the puck going in so it went to video review and the officials deemed it goaltender interference. Victoria were frustrated to the point of nearly taking an unsportsmanlike during the ensuing conversations but they used the second intermission to put it behind them and came out strong in the third. The silver lining for the Grizzlies is they were in the driver’s seat most of this game. Generating 63 shots on net is a good sign their system is working. Sometimes you just run into a dialed-in goalie. With the home team now going a perfect eight for eight between the regular season and playoffs, there is reason for optimism heading back to the “Q”.
Coquitlam have their work cut out for them after last night. The shots they gave up to the Grizzlies were well controlled and often came from distance, but they still surrendered 63 shots. Finding ways to manipulate the flow of play and spend more time with offensive zone time as opposed to waiting for rush chances will be a key adjustment for Game 5.
A tip of the hat to the entire roster for showing up and playing as a united front yesterday. With the body language and communication on display, especially as the possibility of a shutout for their netminder became evident, this is a team that is ready to go to war for the remaining best-of-three.
FORTIS BC ENERGY PLAYER – Cam Russo
3rd – VIC – Kyle Kelsey – 26 Saves on 27 Shots
2nd – COQ – Jack Sullivan – Overtime Winner
1st – COQ – Andrew Ness – 63 Save Shutout
– Ian Wilson
