The Coquitlam Express kicked off their December schedule with a visit to Langley to take on the Rivermen Sunday night and, despite a strong effort, didn’t get the result that they were hoping for as they come up short by a score of 4-3.
The first period was an evenly matched one with each team getting a handful of quality chances. The shots after 20 minutes of play was 10-9 in favour of Langley, who were also able to pot a pair of goals in the period and take a 2-0 lead into the break.
In the second period, we saw a much better Express team as they completely dominated the period. They controlled the majority of the play and outshot the Rivermen 20-8 in the process. They also did a great job in the special teams department as Ryan Tattle buried a shorthanded goal and Kahlil Fontana potted one on the man advantage. Through 40 minutes of play, both Tattle and Fontana were sitting on one goal and one assist each.
Langley was certainly the stronger team in the period, but the Express did themselves no favours by taking a penalty 21 seconds in and gifting the Rivermen early control of the frame. The Rivermen didn’t score on the powerplay, but they did shortly after in the midst of the momentum swing. The Express would claw back to even with just under four minutes left on the clock, courtesy of a greasy Ray Hamlin goal. Unfortunately, the Express would surrender a weak goal with just 68 seconds left on the clock and that would cap off the game’s scoring. The Rivermen ended this one 4-3 in regulation.
The Express are back on the action on the 10th as they head to the island to take on the Nanaimo Clippers.
#AllAboard | #WeAreAllExpress
