Phil Zielonka scored his second overtime winner of the season just 30 seconds into the extra session to give the Express a 3-2 win over the Powell River Kings Saturday night. The win assured the Express would head into the holiday break on a winning note.
The Express got an early advantage in the special teams and it helped pace them to an early 2-0 lead. Zach Pryzbek opened the scoring on the first Express powerplay of the game. He was persistent in a battle in front of the Powell River net which led to him slipping the puck past Braeden Ostepchuk. Two minutes later, the Express found themselves on their second powerplay. John Siemer carried the puck into the Kings zone, dished it to Phil Zielonka who quickly relayed the pass to Brandon Morley for the 2-0 Express lead.
The Express took their 2-1 lead all the way to the 3rd Period, but Powell River came out at a higher gear. A holding penalty in the opening minute to Zach Pryzbek gave the Kings an opportunity to draw even. On the advantage, Matt Scarth was able to find a loose puck lying in the crease and swipe it home to complete the Powell River comeback from the two goal deficit.
To start the overtime, Coach Calvano sent out his big guns, John Siemer and Phil Zielonka. It didn't take long for them to hook up and end the game for the Express. Siemer battled hard along the end boards to steal the puck from a Kings defenceman. From the corner, he found Zielonka on the doorstep for the one-timer to give the Express a 3-2 win just 30 seconds into overtime.
Coquitlam heads into the break with a 16-15-1-0 record through 32 games. They will resume their schedule with a home game against the Langley Rivermen on December 28th in Coquitlam.
The Coquitlam Express would like to wish all of our fans and followers a happy holiday! We'll see you on the 28th!
