Doubleheaders are always a good test for any team throughout the season. Playing a team and beating them once is tough enough as is, the real challenge comes from following that up the next night. For the case of Coquitlam this is doubly important as they try to sweep a set of games for the first time since the Prince George roadtrip at the end of September. For how good this team has been, that fact is a bit jarring as they still hold fast to second in the Coastal and have answered the call against top teams in the league like Chilliwack, Langley and Brooks this season.
Last night it was a win by committee style of game, which is exactly what they were looking for. Too many contests had gotten away from them with high scorelines in recent weeks and the fact they were able to finally settle back into a defensive rhythm is a positive sight. The 4-0 start to the campaign and wins thereafter relied upon an accountability in Coquitlam’s own end, and to this point the Express are fourth best in the Coastal with only 53 goals allowed. Powell River had chances last night, but the amount of odd man rushes were basically nullified by smart decisions with the puck or hard work on the backcheck to break opportunities up.
As for the new guys, they both had positive showings in different aspects of their game, playing some of the contest together and on separate units. They showcased both powerplay and 5 on 5 ability and were responsible defensively. The cherry on top was Bakker nabbing his first in an Express Jersey and Kesselring drawing the penatly that sealed the game with Powell River pressing. It will be key for them to keep their good start going as the Kings look to rebound at home tonight.
Powell River did not have a great game defensively last night. The final score is a bit deceiving as multiple times Coquitlam hit the post or shot a chance wide that they earned getting around the Kings defending schemes. If the home side want to battle back it has to start from their own end. Vincent Lamberti was sensational last night, simply put. His work is what kept that game 2-0 and afforded the Kings an opportunity to come back. Relying on your netminder to make highlight reel saves all night long is not conducive to winning hockey. A hot goalie can certainly steal a game, but they will need to rally around him more fervently than Friday.
That goes the same for the Kings’ offence who struggled to find their footing in the doubleheader’s opener. Even at the end of the game when they did manage their most dangerous chances with the extra attacker, it felt as if they were rushing too much. Multiple shots were just quick turnarounds and chuck it towards the goal as opposed to waiting and getting square. Coquitlam did give them a few chances as the defence tried to move the puck up the middle of the zone to break through the 6-on-5. Powell River kept their sticks in the lane and knocked pucks loose, but then just threw them away. Poise and patience for the Kings is a must if they hope to crack the armour of Coquitlam.
It should be another rowdy night at the Hap with a minor hockey tournament in town this weekend. Be sure to tune in on FloHockey for all the fun, 7PM PST the opening puckdrop.
FLOHOCKEY BROADCAST (Select the “Away” Audio)
– Ian Wilson
