Where: SOEC
When: 6pm
Listen Live: EZ Rock AM 800
Watch: Fasthockey
The Penticton Vees (15-6-1-2) are looking to salvage a weekend split at home against the Coquitlam Express (11-11-0-2). One night ago, in Coquitlam, the Express took the first of the home-and-home set, scoring three unanswered goals, en route to a 3-1 victory at the Poirier Sports & Leisure Complex.
Cody DePourcq staked the visitors out to a 1-0 lead late in the first period, after he tapped-in a pass from Brendan Lamont from the corner. Adam Rockwood leveled the game at ones in the early stages of the second, when he banged-in a rebound off the end boards. Then it was the Express Captain, Ryan Rosenthal, taking matters into his own hands in the third. Rosenthal gave the Express their first lead of the night, five minutes into the frame, when he hammered-home a shot from the left-circle on an Express man-advantage. Rosenthal then put the game on ice late in the game, when he deposited in his second of the period into an empty net with just twelve seconds left.
The Vees have had their challenges with the Mainland Division so far this season, as they are 1-2-1 against Prince George, Langley and Coquitlam thus far; 0-2-1 on the road. The good news is their one win came at home and it was a shutout, a 2-0 blanking of the Prince George Spruce Kings back on October 11th. They’re also very good at rebounding from a loss, as they sport a 6-1-0 record when coming of a loss and have outscored their opposition 30-16 in those seven games. Don’t discount the fact this is a home game for Penticton, as they’re 9-1-0-1 at the SOEC this season and they’re 6-2-1-1 in the second game of back-to-backs; the Express are just 2-5-0-1.
A couple of line-up changes for the Vees as they will dress 11 forwards and seven defensemen for tonight’s tilt with the Express. Clint Filbrandt and Jarod Hilderman draw back in and Cam Amantea and Paul Stoykewych come out. The rotation in goal continues, as Hunter Miska will get the start and second straight at home.
Coquitlam comes into tonight’s action in third place in the Mainland Division, nine points back of second place Langley. They have a slight cushion on Surrey, as they’re three points up on the Eagles, who hold the fourth and final playoff spot. The Express’ struggles at home have been well documented and that’s why last night was so big. Despite struggling on home ice, Coquitlam has found plenty of success away from home. They’re 7-3-0-0 on the road but all three of those losses have come in their last three road games. Keeping the puck out of their net in their last two road contests has been an issue for Coquitlam, as they given 18, yes, 18 goals in their last two road contests; 12 alone in Langley on October 24th.
It appears Barry Wolffe will dress the same line-up as Friday, as the Express will have the same forward group and will dress seven defensemen; a scratch coming after warm-up. Gordie Defiel, who was solid in goal Friday, will get the start once again tonight against the Vees.
Tonight’s game-night sponsor is Costco Wholesale and one lucky fan will win a one-year executive membership.
