The Coquitlam Express visited the Surrey Eagles in a matinee meeting on Sunday afternoon. The Express, unfortunately, dropped this one in overtime for a second straight outing – 3-2 the final score.
The Eagles were more or less in control for the majority of this hockey game, outshooting the Express 52-27. A major contributor to the tilting of the rink was penalties – the Express took eight penalties in this one and gave up two power play goals. Ultimately, the Express couldn’t get any traction for the majority of this game and it seemed like any time they got close, they took another trip to the sin bin.
Prior to the game, we talked about the importance of shutting down Holden Katzalay – the power play specialist tallied a goal and an assist on the man advantage Sunday afternoon. This has now propelled him into a tie for second in league scoring with nine points. Making adjustments on the penalty kill will be crucial to stopping the Eagles’ power play – all of their offence is driven through Katzalay and Christian Fitzgerald, who play the hash marks on their respective off wings.
On the positive side of things, Ryan Tattle scored an absolutely phenomenal goal in the third period to tie the game at one. It has ‘goal of the year candidate’ written all over it!
Additionally, goaltender Dylan Kruss played out of his mind and certainly deserved a better fate in this one. The Thornhill, Ontario product stopped 49 pucks Sunday afternoon and kept his team in the contest. It’s great to see, as Kruss did look a little shaky in his first two outings. He’s since looked a lot more poised, controlled, and dialed in.
The Express will have a chance to redeem themselves tomorrow night, as they visit the Powell River Kings. Puck drop is at 8:00 PM.
#AllAboard
