The Coquitlam Express were in Chilliwack Saturday evening to clash with the Chiefs in what was their second game of the 2021-22 regular season.
The first period was relatively even in terms of momentum. One might argue that the Express had the majority of the quality chances. It was the road team who opened the scoring courtesy of a Ray Hamlin goal just over five minutes into the contest. Just under five minutes later, though, the Chiefs potted a pair of their own 39 seconds apart to establish a 2-1 lead at the midpoint of the first period. The Express would go on to muster up a handful of great chances, but they’d fail to buy one and head to the room down by a goal after 20 minutes of play.
The second period was largely controlled by the Chiefs who, similarly to the first period, outscored the Express 2-1. Arlo Merritt found his second point of the night and the Express’ lone goal of the frame with a snipe right off of a won faceoff by Ryan Tattle. Late in the period, the Express found another batch of strong chances but just couldn’t bang one in. By no means was this Express squad out of the hockey game at any point. The difference was that the Chiefs made the most of their good looks and they’d end up with a 4-2 lead after 40 minutes.
The third and final frame was all Chiefs as they would go on to score the only goals in the period and prevent the Express from finding even a shot until the midpoint of the period. If not for a collection of solid Adam Manji saves, this game could have gotten way more out of hand than it did. The Chiefs were completely controlling the play for the entirety of the period and had sustained zone time with waves of shots for Manji. The Chiefs outshot the Express 23-3 in the third period and would go on to win the game 7-2.
The Express are back in action on the 15th as they get a shot at redemption in their home-opener against the Chiefs.
#AllAboard #WeAreAllExpress
