After settling for a split in Coquitlam, the Coastal Conference Quarterfinal series returns to the Alberni Valley Multiplex for Game 5 tonight with the best of 7 series tied 2-2.
Whichever team can pick up the win this evening, will be in the driver’s seat to close out the series in Game 6 tomorrow in Coquitlam.
Game 4 was a frustrating night for the Bulldogs as they missed a golden opportunity to take a 3-1 strangle hold on the Express.
Hayden Stavroff’s power play goal near the mid-way mark of the 3rd was all the offence they could muster on a night where they were outshot 42-26 in a game they dropped 3-1.
Both the Bulldogs & the Express were 1 for 4 with the man advantage.
A post-buzzer scrum led to the Bulldogs Caden Tremblay being the only player tagged with a penalty as Tremblay was assessed a 5 minute major for a check to the head at the 20 minute mark of the 3rd. Tremblay was also assessed a one game suspension for his actions which will be served tonight in Game 5.
Despite splitting the opening games of the series at the Dawg Pound, the Bulldogs have to feel good about returning home and playing in front of a lively crowd at the Dawg Pound. The Bulldogs are 6-2 at home vs the Express over the past 5 seasons.
Drew Garzone has been the best player in the series for the Express through 4 games with 4 goals and 3 assists for 7 points. Zeke Nicholson & Grayson Badger are tied for the Bulldogs lead with 5 points each the series.
As the series wears on, it will be interesting to see if fatigue becomes a factor for the Express who really lean on their top guys for heavy minutes. The Bulldogs have done a good job of distributing the ice team through the line-up and that could set them up for success as the series wears on.
Don’t expect any changes in goal for either team in Game 5 as both Adam Manji and Callum Tung are expected to make their 5th straight starts in the series tonight.
The Box office opens at 10:00 am, or you can skip the trip and buy your tickets online by CLICKING HERE
