GAME PREVIEW: KINGS at EXPRESS

For a recap from last night's BCHL action click here

KINGS (19-4-2-2) at EXPRESS (10-10-1-5)

Radio: 95-7 Sun FM 6:45PM Pre-Game Show

Last 10-- Kings 7-1-1-1; Express 2-5-1-2

Season Series: The teams are meeting for the second time this season. The Kings edged the Express 2-1 at the Coquitlam Sports Centre on October 29th.

Big Story: The Kings are looking for their first win on their mainland road trip. Powell River tied Surrey 1-1 last night in a double overtime contest. Powell River has been up and down recently going 1-0-1-1 in their last three games but have collect points in their last 10 games. Coquitlam is trying to find consistency in their game. The Express were drubbed 10-2 on Wednesday in Langley and were nipped 4-3 in overtime last night at home to Vernon. Before that the  Express recorded wins over Langley and Nanaimo and tied Alberni Valley.

Team Scope

Kings-- Powell River is embarking on their second three game road trip in two and a half days. Their first such trip ended in a split, losing in Alberni Valley, tying Nanaimo before winning in Victoria. On the trip the coaching staff was stressing on better finish and playing with energy.

Most teams employ the attitude of being a .500 team on the road, not Powell River. Kent Lewis has preached being just as confident and successful on the road as at home. Even with last night's tie, the Kings still own a very good 7-2-2-1 road record.


Express-- With young teams you will encounter inconsistency throughout the season. The Express's hot start surprised many around the BCHL as John Calvano had his team firing out of the starting gate. However in late October and into November Coquitlam has had their struggles. At one point the Express hit a rough patch losing 8 straight. However since then the Express have gone 2-1-1-1 in their last five games.

Coquitlam have been under seige in their own zone in recent games. You can point to the lop sided loss on Wednesday as an example, but overall the Express sport the second highest goals against in the coastal conference. Defense will be key tonight for the Express.

Who's Hot

Kings-- Justin DaSilva has scored in two straight games and points in his last four. DaSilva leads all defenseman in scoring on Powell River and sits 4th in team scoring. The 20 year-old has quietly gone about collecting 26 points in 24 games. Matt Garbowsky had his 5 game point streak snapped last night but had 9 points over that span. Chad Niddery's assist on DaSilva's goal gives him 6 straight games with a point.

Express-- The Express are getting scoring from all areas of their line-up as 10 players have reached double digits. Upfront the Express are lead by two veteran players. Massimo Lamacchia leads the team in scoring wth 28 points in 26 games. Just behind him is 20 year-old Brad Reid who has 11 goals and 27 points in 26 games as does rookie Destry Straight. He sits third in scoring with one less goal then Reid. It seems on any given night, it can be a different player or players that step up and lead the offensive charge for Coquitlam. It makes opponents respect their line-up and not key on one player in particular.

Injury Report-- Teagan Waugh remains out for the Kings with an upper body injury. Cohen Adair was nicked up last night and will sit out tonight to rest. Coquitlam on paper looks to be healthy.

Stat Pack-- You have to go back to October 23rd for Powell River's last road regulation loss. Since then game the Kings are 2-0-1-1 away from Hap Parker Arena. The Express are 2-1-1-1 in their last 5 home games.

Puck Drop-- The Pre-Game show is at 6:45PM on Sun FM with myself & Josh Statham.