The Express and Chiefs are two teams that, through years of heated battles and high intensity playoff meetings, simply do not like each other. It isn’t often you see the level of animosity boil through that presents itself in these games. No matter the position in the standings, no matter the stakes, these sides always provide one guarantee. Exciting hockey. Just look at the last three games between Coquitlam and Chilliwack this season. All were decided by a 4-3 final score, the last two in overtime to boot, and the most recent rendition featured a heavyweight fight. Physicality and speed will be at the forefront as Coquitlam still search for home ice in the opening round of the playoffs.
When the Express have taken on Chilliwack this season, Coquitlam have played some of their most structured hockey. The Chiefs are a team full-up with players that possess skill and speed and they like to flaunt that with a track-meet style of game. One mistake at the blueline or in the neutral zone and it’s all hands on deck to try and recover before the red tide descends on your goaltender. Coquitlam have done a great job at limiting those high danger, rush-style chances as Chilliwack have often run into players in the right places with support from other Express linemates. Commitment to playing the game the right way tonight will be huge.
What is “the right way”? Well in the case of a contest like this one that is sure to have high emotion and pride on the line, it’s a team style of play where guys do not try to be a hero. Chilliwack are a smart defensive team that look to capitalize on players doing too much. Too many handles of the puck allows this Chiefs defence to close in and snuff out an opportunity, leading to a quick counterattack. Crisp puck movement that forces Chilliwack to overextend their aggression will be a huge way to get towards high danger areas.
Once the Express get to the high percentage areas, they will have to contend with a pair of quality netminders in Quentin Miller and Sebastian Gatto. We have seen Gatto’s exploits firsthand but the new kid on the block, Miller, has been exceptional. He boasts a 4-1 record since joining Chilliwack with a 2.41 GAA and .919SV%.
Both teams will be hungry for a bounce back as the Express had a 7-4 loss to the Eagles this past Sunday while Chilliwack come back to BC following a 5-2 loss at the hands of Brooks. As well, if the Express come away with any amount of points tonight, and Prince George loses to the Langley Rivermen, your Express will officially clinch their spot in the Fred Page Cup Playoffs!
Grab your tickets soon, as at the time of writing this, over 1100 have already been sold for what should be a great night of hockey at the Poirier. To add to the atmosphere, Port Moody Secondary Spirit Night is set to bring that extra energy as the Express look to defend home ice.
– Ian Wilson
