For the first time since coming back to Coquitlam, the Express are heading to a third-round playoff series.
The BCHL squad knocked off the Langley Rivermen Friday night at the Poirier Sports and Leisure Complex, taking down a club that finished in first place during the regular season.
Ryan Rosenthal opened the scoring Friday night but Langley quickly responded with a goal from Mitch McLain. Coquitlam was able to get the go-ahead goal before the end of the first frame, but penalty trouble in the second period cost the Express the lead.
The Rivermen scored two goals on the man-advantage, the first coming 30 seconds into the period followed by another power play goal from Langley's Tanner Johnson five minutes later.
Coquitlam needed a big third period and that is just what the team go from its go-to forwards.
Jace Hennig tied up the game 1:52 before Canon Pieper helped his team to the lead after burying a pass from his brother Bo.
Zack Hodder added an insurance marker with less than three minutes left in the game to down the Langley Rivermen's hopes of raising a BCHL banner.
Coquitlam will now head to the next round, a tournament that will feature the three team division winners. The first game is expected to take place in Vernon against the Vipers on March 30, before Coquitlam returns home to play Victoria on Tuesday, April 1.
For more information go to www.coquitlamexpress.ca.
