Sometimes the breaks just don't go your way. And the Coquitlam Express knew early that last Friday was going to be one of those nights.
The Express fell behind early with Powell River scoring three times in the first 7:39 on their way to an 8-3 win.
"They got up early on us and then after that we battled back but they just got some lucky bounces," said Express head coach Barry Wolff. "They threw some pucks at the net and a couple went off ice and a couple went off them. We just had no luck."
Bo Pieper finally got Coquitlam on the scoreboard when he potted a shorthanded marker from Ryan Rosenthall with just over two minutes left in the opening period.
Canon Pieper's power play marker two minutes into the second frame brought the Express within one. But less than a minute later Brian Rideout restored Powell River's two-goal lead. Kurt Keats added to the lead later in the period before Canon and Bo Pieper again combined to bring the Express within two.
But the third period was all Kings, who outshot the Express 12-4 in the period and found the back of the net three times, twice on the power play.
Gordie Defiel made 28 saves in net for the Express, who were outshot 36-22.
The Express enjoyed a week-long Christmas break before getting back on the ice this weekend for a home-and-home series with the Langley Rivermen.
"It's been a tough year so far, more so emotionally. It's just been up and down, like a roller coaster ride," said Wolff. "I think it will be great for us to get away for five or six days and just hang out, have some fun and come back refocused."
Coquitlam headed into the break 11 points back of the Prince George Spruce Kings for second place in the BCHL's Mainland Division and two points up on the Surrey Eagles.
The Express will be in the Langley Events Centre Saturday night before playing host to the Rivermen for a 2 p.m. Sunday matinee at the Poirier Sport and Leisure Centre.
