Danny Pearson scored 7:49 into the first overtime period to give the Coquitlam Express a 5-4 win over the Langley Rivermen Tuesday at the George Preston Arena in Langley.
The win gives the Express a commanding 3-0 lead in its best-of-seven opening round BC Hockey League playoff series against the Rivermen. Coquitlam can wrap it up on Wednesday in Langley.
After both teams traded several chances in the extra frame, Pearson took a pass from Massimo Rizzo and ripped a shot high over Langley goalkeeper Braedon Fleming. But his game-winning heroics were only possible because teammate Will Margel tied the game, 4-4, with 10 seconds left in regulation time and Coquitlam goalie Jack Watson on the bench for an extra attacker.
The Express had taken the early lead in the game when Connor Gregga scored 8:45 into the opening period, but from then on the team played catch-up all night.
Langley’s Brendan Budy tied it less than four minutes later and Matthew Hubbarde gave the Rivermen its first lead 12 minutes into the second period.
Joshua Wildauer tied it after 1:26 had been played in the third period, but 67 seconds later, Langley was back in front on Hubbarde’s second goal of the game. Wildauer tied it again and again the saw-off was short-lived as Ryan Helliwell reestablished the Rivermen’s advantage just 34 seconds later when he beat Watson on a power play.
Watson stopped 17 of the 21 shots he faced, while his teammates fired 30 shots at Fleming.
