Fresh off a 4-3 double OT win last night over Powell River, the Rivermen are back at it tonight against Coquitlam. The Express were in action last night as well and beat Surrey 8-2 and have now won three straight games.
Tonight will be the fourth meeting of the season between the two mainland clubs. There is only one word to describe the three games in the season series thus far: Wacky. The Riv have a 2-1 win advantage, but the story has been the amount of goals that have been scored in the nine periods. In total, the two inter-division rivals have combined for 29 goals. The amount of scoring that has been done in a single period has been a head-scratcher to say the least, especially in the opening period. In the first meeting on October 21, the teams combined for six first period goals. Just over a week later, they scored five in the first 20 minutes, and in the last match-up on November 11, seven goals were put away in a third period that saw the Express win 7-5.
The Express are 15-15-1-4 for 35 points in 35 games this season. Like the Rivermen, they are without key people who are representing Team Canada West at the World Junior “A” Challenge in Head Coach/GM Barry Wolff, who is an assistant coach, and 17 year old forward Blake Hayward.
“Coquitlam has been playing well lately, and have put together a few wins. Their top line has been clicking both 5 on 5 and on the power play, so taking away time and space is imperative. Hopefully our guys can build off our game last night,” said Rivermen Associate Head Coach and Assistant General Manager Kurt Astle.
Game time is at 6:00pm at the Langley Events Centre. It is day two of RIVMAS with all fans receiving free entry into the game and a $5 food voucher.
