Salmon Arm B.C. — The Salmon Arm Silverbacks were edged 3-2 in overtime on Saturday night on the road in Coquitlam, a loss that drops their record to 6-1-1 on the season.
The win for the Express improves their record to 6-1-0.
GAME SUMMARY
It was a fairly slow first for both sides, with just seven shots from each club through 20 minutes. Other than a couple successful penalty kills for the Backs, there wasn’t much action to speak of.
In the second period, the Silverbacks came out with a strong effort, firing off five consecutive shots on goal in the first three minutes. But Coquitlam Express goaltender Clay Stevenson was on his game, looking calm and comfortable in the goal. He was able to fend off the Silverbacks all period, as they fired 13 shots in the frame and came up empty-handed. With 3:19 to go in the second, the Express opened the scoring, after defenceman Noah De La Durantaye potted home a rebound — his third goal of the season.
Right at the end of the second period, Backs forward Coalson Wolford drew a penalty, which meant Salmon Arm would start the third period down a goal, but up a man for a full two minutes.
On that ensuing power play, Noah Wakeford chipped in a rebound to tie the game 1-1, his fifth goal of the season. Several minutes later, however, the Silverbacks would get into some penalty trouble. Holden Knights was called for roughing and then Noah Lugli was called for high-sticking, which led to a 5-on-3 kill. Right as Knights stepped onto the ice to make it a 5-on-4, the Express would take the lead for the second time, this time converting on a tap-in in front that Kruss had no chance on, courtesy of Bradley Ong. Before the period was out, the Backs PK was tested twice more, and passed with flying colours, to force overtime.
While the Silverbacks were the only team in the league with two overtime wins entering action, this time it was Coquitlam who would come away with the two points and it only took them 29 seconds. Forward Cooper Connell converted on a 2-on-1 rush, coming down the right side, dragging it and then finishing high on Kruss to give the Express their sixth win of the season.
STANDOUT PERFORMANCES
Noah Wakeford, Salmon Arm Silverbacks: Wakeford’s two-point night gives him 14 on the season, which moves him into sole possession for first overall in the BCHL in scoring. He hasn’t really had a night off yet this season, recording a point in all but one game.
Clay Stevenson, Coquitlam Express: Stevenson was superb in the second and third periods, when the Backs fired a combined 23 shot on goal. At 6-foot-3, he’s a big goalie who knows his angles and takes away so much of the net. Many of his saves on Saturday looked easy because of his strong positioning and rebound control. Stevenson’s record is now 5-0-0 this season.
Daniel Rybarik, Salmon Arm Silverbacks: Rybarik may not have scored in this game, but there he was again creating opportunities with his speed down the wing. He did pick up a power play assist, giving him 10 points on the season, ranking just outside the top-10 in the league. It’s flat out shocking that Rybarik hasn’t scored in three straight games, given the chances he has had. It’s only a matter of time before that changes.
STAT OF THE GAME
Express 9 PP Opportunities: While the overtime winner wasn’t scored on the PP, the Express did score twice on the man advantage. Even more noteworthy was the sheer number of opportunities they had. The Silverbacks were handed four straight penalties in the third period, one of which was a lengthy 5-on-3.
WHAT’S NEXT
The Silverbacks host the West Kelowna Warriors on Tuesday at the Shaw Centre at 7 p.m.
As always, the pre-game show on 91.5 EZ Rock will kick off 30 minutes before puck drop. Fans can stream all games on HockeyTV.
For tickets to the game, click here.
