Coquitlam Express fans got a preview of the first round of the BCHL playoffs last weekend against the Chilliwack Chiefs - and the results weren't pretty.
While comedian Brent Butt was signing autographs in the stands at the Poirier Sport and Leisure Complex Friday night, there was nothing funny about what was taking place on the ice, as the visitors racked up four goals in the first period.
Two markers came off the stick of Jake Hand, who will be tough to contain in the first round of the playoffs, which are scheduled to take place between the two teams this week.
The 20-year-old forward was named first star of the game for his effort and was a force for most of the game.
Taylor Green managed to get the Express on the board in the second period and Daniell Lange made it 4-2 in the third period.
However, it was not enough to spark Coquitlam, who gave up an empty net goal from Jake Larson at the end of the third.
The Express had an even harder time containing Chilliwack on the road 24-hours later, when the Chiefs threw 56 shots at goalie Chris Tai at Prospera Centre.
The home team quickly racked up another four-goal lead in the first period with only Coquitlam's Brett Supinski managing to disrupt the flow of goals. The BCHL's second highest scorer buried a pass from the league's point leader Cory Mackin one minute into the second period.
In the third, the Chiefs Ryan Bowen restored the four gal lead while Hand managed to score his third of the weekend to give Chilliwack a 6-2 win.
Coquitlam will have to turn things around in a hurry if they hope to defeat their first-round opponents.
Game 1 was scheduled for Tuesday night, after The Tri-City News' deadline, while Game 2 was expected to take place on Wednesday night, both at Prospera.
The series will return home on Friday (puck drop at 7 p.m.) and Saturday (puck drop at 7:30 p.m.) for Games 2 and 3.
For more information go to www.coquitlamexpress.ca.
@GMcKennaTC
