The Coquitlam Express are set to host the Chilliwack Chiefs at the Train Station in game six of their playoff series! Puck drop is at 7:00pm.
The Statistics
The Express come into this one with their backs against the wall down 3-2 in the series. This comes after a tough shutout loss in Chilliwack back on Thursday night.
Perhaps the biggest struggle for the Express in this postseason so far has been getting shots on the Chiefs’ net. They have yet to surpass 25 shots in a game and have averaged just 22 shots per game thus far. In comparison, the Chiefs have only had less than 30 shots once and have averaged 36.6 shots per game in the series.
Matthew Campbell continues to lead all defencemen in scoring in the playoffs with two goals and five assists through five games. Notably, he has been in on 3/4 of the Express powerplay goals in the series.
Keys to Victory
More shots! The Express need to simplify their game and get more shots through to the Chiefs’ net. They’ve found a lot of success with low-to-high plays and shots from the blue line and will need to do more of that in this one here tonight.
Don’t get caught up in the extracurriculars – the Chiefs, particularly last game, are doing well to get under the Express’ skin and keep them off their games.
Start hot and end hot. The Express need to start and finish all three periods as the better team. In their game-five loss, the Express surrendered the game’s opening goal with just 79 seconds remaining in the second period. It was a dagger as the Chiefs were then able to take a strong defensive stance in the third period.
Push the pace. As big and as strong as the Chiefs’ defence are, they struggle once you’re behind them in their defensive end. The Express’ speedy forward group needs to beat them to the corners and utilize those aforementioned low-to-high plays with traffic in front.
The Lineup
Some notables changes to the Express’ lineup to mention – Luke Vardy will be suspended for four games after he was given a blow to the head major penalty after a collision with Xavier Henry. Henry was given a two-game suspension for cross-checking Vardy in the face earlier in the hockey game.
In Vardy’s absence, Jayden Sison will slot back on defence and Emmett Mchardy will draw into the lineup to fill the forward-group void that Sison has left.
Carter Woodside will once again be between the pipes for the Express as he looks to get his club back on even ground!
We’ll see you at the Train Station!
#AllAboard | #WeAreAllExpress
