March, 5th, 2014 -The Coquitlam Express were edged 3-2 by Prince George Spruce Kings in Game 1 of their opening playoff round.
There is no denying that the Spruce Kings came out with more jump in the opening frame. Gordie Defiel stood his ground early, turning aside 14 of 16 1st Period shots. Matt Painchaud opened the scoring for PG, when he tapped in a rebound off of a Cole Todd shot on goal.
The Spruce Kings added some insurance to their lead with less than 5 minutes in the period. After Zach Hodder came within inches of tying the game, his shot off the goal post rebounded to Prince George and kick-started their transition. Mitch Eden joined the rush from the back end and faked a shot on Defiel, before firing the puck to the back of the net.
The Express would cut the home side’s lead in half before the end of the opening frame. Marc Biega, the BCHL’s leading goal scoring defenseman, blasted home a shot from the point to make it 2-1.
Neither team was able to notch a goal in a competitive 2nd Period. The Express came out with a better period, outshooting the Spruce Kings 13-12.
Both teams came out in the 3rd pressing for the next goal. Prince George was able to re-establish their 2 goal lead at 7:11 of the 3rd. Mitch Eden recorded his 2nd of the game when his blast from the high slot sailed untouched to the back of the net.
Rather than sit back, the Express upped the pressure in attempts to ensure they got the next one. Joey Santucci, playing in his first game in two weeks, tipped home a Mark Whiteley point shot to again, bring the deficit within one.
A late penalty to Jake Lebrun gave the Express their 3rd powerplay opportunity of the game. They were unable to convert despite some good puck possession and movement.
Game 2 of the series goes tonight from the Prince George. Fans can catch the game on Fasthockey at www.fasthockey.com. The series flips back to Coquitlam for games 3 and 4 on Friday and Saturday.
Scotiabank 3 Stars:
There is no denying that the Spruce Kings came out with more jump in the opening frame. Gordie Defiel stood his ground early, turning aside 14 of 16 1st Period shots. Matt Painchaud opened the scoring for PG, when he tapped in a rebound off of a Cole Todd shot on goal.
The Spruce Kings added some insurance to their lead with less than 5 minutes in the period. After Zach Hodder came within inches of tying the game, his shot off the goal post rebounded to Prince George and kick-started their transition. Mitch Eden joined the rush from the back end and faked a shot on Defiel, before firing the puck to the back of the net.
The Express would cut the home side’s lead in half before the end of the opening frame. Marc Biega, the BCHL’s leading goal scoring defenseman, blasted home a shot from the point to make it 2-1.
Neither team was able to notch a goal in a competitive 2nd Period. The Express came out with a better period, outshooting the Spruce Kings 13-12.
Both teams came out in the 3rd pressing for the next goal. Prince George was able to re-establish their 2 goal lead at 7:11 of the 3rd. Mitch Eden recorded his 2nd of the game when his blast from the high slot sailed untouched to the back of the net.
Rather than sit back, the Express upped the pressure in attempts to ensure they got the next one. Joey Santucci, playing in his first game in two weeks, tipped home a Mark Whiteley point shot to again, bring the deficit within one.
A late penalty to Jake Lebrun gave the Express their 3rd powerplay opportunity of the game. They were unable to convert despite some good puck possession and movement.
Game 2 of the series goes tonight from the Prince George. Fans can catch the game on Fasthockey at www.fasthockey.com. The series flips back to Coquitlam for games 3 and 4 on Friday and Saturday.
Scotiabank 3 Stars:
- Alex Murray, PG
- Mitch Eden, PG
- Gordie Defiel, COQ
Fortis BC Energy Player of the Game: Chad Staley, PG
