It’s a rare edition of BCHL After Dark with the Express facing off against Surrey in a 7:45 PM PST clash. To those planning to tune in on the east coast… we apologize in advance. For the brave that stay up with us to watch this game, expect big things on the ice from both squads.
Coquitlam have all the momentum heading into Monday Night at the Nest. They picked up two massive victories against the Chilliwack Chiefs this weekend and will be feeling good ahead of this rematch with the Eagles. On the flipside, Surrey are hungry to get back on track after they dropped both games on the road this past weekend. Nanaimo and Alberni got the better of the birds, with the latter contest going 8-2 in favour of the Bulldogs.
The last time these teams met wasn’t long ago at all. Just over a week ago it was a Sunday afternoon matinee at South Surrey Arena with the Eagles soaring to a win. Coquitlam were on the tail end of three games in four days, and will be so again tonight. However this time the playing field is even in that regard. One might even give the slight edge to Coquitlam as the Eagles will have played both Friday and Saturday and then traveled on Sunday. Endurance is always at a premium when it comes to games on the Olympic sized ice, so expect players to be flying around and showcasing the creativity.
Coquitlam need to keep the same intensity they showed against Chilliwack this weekend. Everyone knows the emphasis on the Express and Chiefs rivalry but that fire can’t go dormant when other teams are on the schedule. Down the stretch you need to play like you are ticked off every single game and keep using that emotion to fuel a 200-foot style of hockey. Looking at the season series against Surrey, the Express have plenty of reason to dig in and feel motivated tonight. Finding a big win against a team that has had your number all season long will be a weight off the shoulders for certain.
Tonight is also important for the playoff picture as the Coastal Conference log jam isn’t easing up. The Express and Eagles are tied for third place with 58 points apiece. Whomever gets the W tonight will finish the day second in the conference, vaulting the Victoria Grizzlies. Both teams already know they will be in the post season, the only question that remains is where they finish and what potential matchups they shall have to endure.
Be sure to tune in on FloHockey for all the action if you can’t make it down to the Nest. The Away feed features yours truly while the home side will have the wonderful Jagraj Lalli and Liam Higgs.
FLOHOCKEY BROADCAST (Select “Away” Stream)
– Ian Wilson
