A 5-3 loss to the Surrey Eagles Sunday could prove costly to the Coquitlam Express.
The setback, combined with a 4-3 overtime win by the Chilliwack Chiefs over the Alberni Valley Bulldogs, tumbled the Express to fifth place in the BC Hockey League’s Coastal division standings. The Chiefs jumped from sixth to third after handing the Bulldogs its first loss in 11 games.
At the South Surrey Arena, Coquitlam opened a 2-0 lead 7:20 into the first period. But exactly 7:20 later, the hosts were back on even terms after goals by Logan Lorenz and Rylan Bonkowski.
Surrey took a 3-2 lead midway through the second period before Emmett McHardy’s seventh goal of the season tied the game up again. It was, however, the last time the Express would score, as the Eagles scored two unanswered goals in the third period — including one into an empty net — to defeat Coquitlam for the fifth time in six meetings this season.
Adam Manji faced 34 shots in the Express net, while his teammates fired 36 at Surrey’s Eli Pulver.
Coquitlam could create a three-way tie for third place if they’re able to beat the Chiefs when the two rivals meet Wednesday, 7 p.m., at the Poirier Sport and Leisure Complex.
