The Coquitlam Express hosted the visiting Surrey Eagles Wednesday night in what was the most tight-checking game that the Express have played so far in this POD season. This one ended up going to overtime – the Express’ third trip to the extra period in their last four outings. Fortunately, this one went better than their first two overtime experiences and they managed to secure the win thanks to a snipe from captain Danny Pearson just 42 seconds in. 4-3 being the final score.
Dylan Kruss played fantastic once again, making 39 saves in this one, including some monster saves late in the third period to help get this one to the extra period. Defensive breakdowns were the issue tonight, being the direct cause of two of the Eagles’ three markers.
Keeton Oakley truly was the story in this one – the Aldergrove product put up two goals and added a helper, earning himself the Sharon Perry & Associates Player of the Game award! Oakley has tallied five points in his last two games. This can largely be attributed to his promotion within the lineup – in the last few games, he’s been skating with Ryan Tattle and Pearson on the top line. Tonight, he started on the second line and found twine – shortly after that, he was slotted back with Tattle and Pearson and went on to find his other two points.
The Express got themselves a much-needed victory and can hopefully carry this momentum into tomorrow night’s matchup with the Powell River Kings. Puck drop is at 7:30 PM.
#allaboard
