The Coquitlam Express hosted the visiting Chilliwack Chiefs for game six of their playoff series on Saturday night! With the Chiefs coming into this one up 3-2 in the series, this was a do-or-die game for the Express.
First Period
The Express didn’t exactly start the game as intended as just 30 seconds in, they coughed up the puck in their own end with Carter Woodside having vacated his crease and the Chiefs put the puck into the yawning cage.
Following the opening-minute blunder, the Chiefs smelled blood in the water and pushed for their second goal right away. To the Express’ credit, they held off the surge and managed to get some offence of their own generated.
Then, 7:41 into the period, an unlikely hero got the Express even as Lucas Lundy absolutely ripped a slapshot upstairs for his first of the postseason!
That would cap off the scoring as after 20 minutes of play, the score was 1-1 with the Chiefs outshooting the Express 12-8.
Second Period
The Express came out strong in the second period and pushed the pace early. They were rewarded as Kahlil Fontana found twine 4:53 into the frame to take a 2-1 lead.
Then, they followed the game plan and finished the period strong as, with 4:34 remaining, Christian MacDougall found not only his first goal of the series, but his first point!
The Express took that 3-1 lead into the dressing room after 40 minutes of play, despite being outshot 26-18.
Third Period
The Express played a really smart and structured final period of play in this one tonight as they did their best to hold off a pressing Chiefs’ club.
Inside of three minutes to play, the Chiefs ramped up the buildings’ stress levels with a goal to get within one. However, that’s as close as they’d come!
The Express held on for the 3-2 win at home in a do-or-die hockey game to force a game seven in Chilliwack!
We’ll see you Sunday night in Chilliwack for game seven!
#AllAboard | #WeBelieve
