Salmon Arm, B.C. — On Friday night, the Salmon Arm Silverbacks fell for the first time this season, losing 4-1 to the Cowichan Valley Capitals on home ice. Now at 6-1-0 on the year, they have a quick turn around, heading to the mainland today for a matchup against the 5-1-0 Coquitlam Express.
The Express’ only hiccup this season came against the Langley Rivermen on Sept. 20, a 6-1 loss. This is the fourth game of a five game home-stand for the Express, who have beaten the Chilliwack Chiefs, Prince George Spruce Kings and Merritt Centennials so far.
3 Storylines
1) Better Breakout
The Silverbacks started out Friday’s game by getting out-shot 14-5 in the first period, and a lot of their struggles originated from their own end. For whatever reason, the team wasn’t in sync on their breakouts, which made it hard to generate offence and play with the puck in the Capitals zone. Simply put, it needs to be much better on Saturday.
2) Power Play
Friday saw a combined 23 minor penalties handed out between the Silverbacks and Capitals, which resulted in a lot of special teams play. Most of the Backs power play opportunities happened when they were trailing in the game, and though their lone goal did come when they were up a man, they finished the night 1-for-8.
The third period power plays looked decent, but no one could bury one past goaltender Zach Borgiel. If handed that many opportunities on Saturday, they’ll need to finish more than once.
3) Express Goalie Stevenson Lights Out
Cowichan goaltender Borgiel was coming off a 6-0 loss to the Penticton Vees last week, but otherwise his stats heading into Friday’s action were impressive, with a 5-1 record, .925 SV% and 2.35 G.A.A. Now, the Backs face a goalie with a 4-0 record, .949 SV% and 1.49 G.A.A. in Clay Stevenson. Stevenson has been in net for the three straight home wins against Chilliwack, Prince George and Merritt, making a combined 73 saves on 79 shots.
The Backs are going to have to do a better job of not letting him see pucks, as their efforts to do the same against Borgiel on Friday fell short.
Players to Watch
SILVERBACKS: NICK UNRUH
Unruh had a ton of shot attempts on Friday and just couldn’t find a way to bury one. He was close though, especially during a few power play opportunities. The Dartmouth College commit has six points in his first seven games, but just two goals after scoring 23 last season. He’s due to explode for a couple sometime soon.
EXPRESS: GREG LAPOINTE
Stevenson is certainly one to watch in goal, but rookie forward Greg Lapointe enters with five points in his last two games. He had two assists in a 5-1 win over the Spruce Kings (where the Express held P.G. to 13 shots overall and zero in the first period) and then he had two goals and an assist in Wednesday’s triumph over the Cents. On the season, Lapointe has seven points in six games.
Tune In
Tonight’s game will be aired on 91.5 EZ Rock as always, with the pre-game show starting at 6:30 p.m. All games are also streamed live on HockeyTV.
