A 1-0 loss to Langley Saturday has slimmed the advantage the Coquitlam Express have over the Rivermen in the battle for third place in the BC Hockey League’s Mainland division to two points.
Langley has a game in hand.
The divisional showdown at the George Preston Arena turned into a showcase for the goalies from both teams. Coquitlam’s Kolby Matthews made several spectacular saves amongst the 33 shots he faced, while Langley’s Braedon Fleming stopped all 19 shots he faced en route to his fourth shutout of the season.
The game’s only goal came 14:23 into the second period when Langley’s Jake Livingston scored shorthanded as his teammate Colten Kovich neared the end of serving his two-minute minor for hooking.
The Express had an opportunity to tie it late in the game when the Rivermen’s Ryan Helliwell was sent to the penalty box for tripping Regan Kimens with 2:06 left in regulation. But Fleming kept the puck out of Langley’s net, as his team won its sixth game in its last eight.
Coquitlam has lost its last four games.
The Rivermen will be able to move into a tie with the Express for third place on Monday, when they host the Prince George Spruce Kings. The Express travel to Salmon Farm for a game on Tuesday against the Silverbacks, then on to Merritt to play the Centennials on Wednesday.
