The Coquitlam Express are ready to take on the Surrey Eagles at 8:00 PM tonight at the Scotia Barn in Burnaby. This will be these two team’s fourth matchup, with the Eagles having the 2-1 advantage in the season series.
The Express are coming off defeats in their last three games and all three of them have been winnable hockey games. Most recently, they dropped a game with the Powell River Kings – a game that could have gone either way in a very tight-checking third period.
Tonight, the Express hope to get back on track and even the season series with the Eagles. Their last meeting saw the birds secure an overtime victory and dominate the majority of the hockey game, outshooting the Express 52-27. A huge part of this was undisciplined play by the Express, as they took eight penalties in the game and gave up two power play markers to the Eagles.
Staying out of the box and limiting chances for the Eagles’ potent power play (26.7%) is a major key in tonight’s affair. Holden Katzalay and Christian Fitzgerald are their two weapons on the man advantage. In particular, Katzalay, who is now up to five power play points in his six games – the Vancouver native chalked up a goal and a helper with the extra man in their last outing with the Express.
On the Express’ side of things, they need to play a full 60. Too often have they let off the gas pedal in the third period and let the game slip away from them.
Dylan Kruss is expected to get the nod between the pipes this evening and he’s coming off of a 49-save performance in their last clash with the Eagles. He had a magnificent week in general, stopping 85 of 90 shots and posting a .944 SV%, earning him an honourable mention for BCHL’s player of the week. The boys, more or less, hung Kruss out to dry in that aforementioned game against the Eagles, so you know they’re going to come ready to play tonight. They owe him a victory!
Leading that charge will be captain Danny Pearson – the veteran now has 100 BCHL games under his belt and is currently a point-per-game so far on this campaign (3G,2A). He’s found some very promising chemistry with Ryan Tattle, who has 10 points in his last five outings and is currently sixth in league scoring. They’ve recently added Keeton Oakley to their line and he’s looked like a strong fit thus far, adding speed, composure, and high hockey IQ to an already stacked line. On loan from the Langley Rivermen, Oakley has received high praise from his teammates and the rookie has tallied three points in two games since being added to the first line. Look to this line to continue its strong play tonight.
The first line has been buzzing, but the Express will need some more depth scoring to start to emerge if they want to string together some victories. One name that comes to mind is Christian MacDougall – the Canisius College commit has a meager two goals in six games and can certainly produce more. If he gets rolling, this team will be in a very solid place.
Additionally, the Express’ power play has been on fire to start the season and could prove to be a big factor in this team’s success moving forward. Over their last three games, the power play has been operating at 25% efficiency. On the season, they are riding the second-hottest man advantage in the BCHL, finding a goal 30.8% of the time. One gets the sense that special teams are, and will be, a huge factor when it comes to these two clubs.
Get off the tracks – a train is coming through!
#AllAboard
