The Coquitlam Express kicked off the 2020-21 season Friday evening against the Surrey Eagles at Scotia Barn in Burnaby.
It was not the start to the season that the Express were hoping for, falling 5-1 to the Eagles. As one might expect, the game started out quite messy and it was the Eagles who jumped out in front early on the power play. As we predicted in our pregame article, special teams played a major factor in this one with three of the six goals in the hockey game coming on the man advantage.
The Express got back into the contest with a power play marker of their own with less than a minute remaining in the opening frame. It was a rebound from a Alek Sukunda point shot that found the stick of Sam Marit and then the back of the net.
Early in the second period, it was all Express who seemed to really carry over the late-period momentum – this was really the only few minutes that the Express could get any traction in Surrey’s end of the rink. Unfortunately, it wasn’t a profitable push and the Eagles took over the remainder of the period. Building off of a mid-period power play, the Eagles took the lead and held onto it until the end of the contest.
A few things to note looking ahead to the Express’ next game against the Eagles (April 8):
- The Eagles dominated the faceoff dot in their first matchup. They generated numerous chances off the draw, generated zone time, and even scored right after a win in the second period. The Express will need to tighten up in that area and get more touches of the puck.
- The Express took five penalties and it cost them two goals (arguably three). Staying out of the box will continue to be key moving forward in this season.
- Ryan Tattle and Danny Pearson showcased some early chemistry and generated most of the Express’ premier chances. Look to this duo to be major contributors this season.
The boys will have to put this one behind them and look towards their 1:00 pm matinee tilt tomorrow afternoon with Powell River Kings. You can catch the action live on HockeyTV!
#AllAboard
