Prince George came into Coquitlam needing two points, and they indeed left with their prize. From opening faceoff to final whistle the Spruce Kings were the more desperate team and played with an edge that the Express struggled to match when push came to shove. The game was fairly even in the shot department but the amount of dangerous chances was skewed in favour of the road team.
The opening 20 saw Prince George establish their trademark forecheck and it set the tone for the evening overall. The visitors were hungry when they entered the zone and if not for some timely shot blocking from the Express defence, would have found themselves up bigger than a 1-0 advantage. Nick Metelkin scored his fourth of the season as the lone lighting of the red lamp.
In the second period, turnovers proved costly as both Will Moore and Brock Cummings capitalized on Express mistakes in the defensive zone. PG’s big guns needed to have an exceptional showing in last night’s contest and that is exactly what they provided. Whether it was on the offensive or defensive end, the Spruce Kings had answers from their top lines, pairings, and goaltender. Trent Ballentyne had a particularly good game for the road side, shutting down several key chances, and Brendan Gillmore found a perfect poke check on the back check to break up a key odd man rush late in the game. That was the theme of the evening: Whenever the Express looked like they were about to capitalize on a big chance, it would be shut down at the last second by good defence or great goaltending.
The third period saw the Express find their offensive spark, but it came too little and too late. Cam Russo finished off a 3-on-1 with a five-hole snipe and then Andrej Kovacevic sent home a rebound with the extra attacker on the ice. Coquitlam would have a few brief looks in the offensive zone to try and tie the game but the absence of Sam Frandina and David Brandes was felt with Prince George aggressively attacking the blueline any chance they got. The Spruce Kings held on for the 3-2 victory and kept pace with the Rivermen who picked up a massive win in Blackfalds.
The line of Connor Seely, Cam Russo and Ryder Riedel was arguably the best of the night for Coquitlam. Riedel was a constant nuisance to the Prince George defence and earned energy player of the game honours. Russo scored the opening goal and overall looked quick of feet and sure of hands. Seeley was his usual reliable, physical self and generated chances for anyone he was out there with.
Coquitlam get some more home cooking tonight as the Nanaimo Clippers come to town and look to capitalize on their own momentum. The Clips took down the Surrey Eagles in Overtime last night and continue this second-half heater with force.
FORTIS BC ENERGY PLAYER – Ryder Riedel
MARINER BREWING THREE STARS
3rd – COQ – Cam Russo
2nd – PG – Charles-Edward Gravel – 30 Saves on 32 Shots
1st – PG – Nicholas Papineau – 2 Assists
– Ian Wilson
