If the Coquitlam Express are going to be eliminated by the Prince George Spruce Kings, they won’t go down without kicking and screaming.
With their backs up against the wall, Coquitlam received heroic efforts from Chase Danol, who posted a hat-trick, and a shutout from goaltender Clay Stevenson in a 3-0 victory on Tuesday in Game 4 of the Mainland Division semi-final series.
The Spruce Kings, who lost for just the second time in their last 17 overall games, saw their lead trimmed to 3-1.
Danol lit the lamp once in the second period and twice more in the final 20 minutes, including an empty netter, to extend the series, which shifts back to Prince George for Game 5 Thursday night at 7:00.
Stevenson was perfect on all 31 Spruce King shots he faced, while Logan Neaton allowed two goals on 24 Express shots before just 450 fans in Coquitlam.
In the other Mainland Division semi-final, the Chilliwack Chiefs staved off elimination after a
2-1 victory on Tuesday over the Langley Rivermen.
Brett Willits and Nathan Kelly scored for the top-ranked Chiefs who were outshot 39-33.
Daniel Chernard picked up the win for Chilliwack who made 38 saves, including 19 in the third period.
Langley leads best-of-seven 3-1 with Game 5 set for Thursday in Chilliwack.
With three more overtime games and two teams staving off elimination, it was an eventful night in the Chevrolet #BCHLPlayoffs! Get caught up on all of tonight’s action with our recap of all seven games!https://t.co/MI0ZNBFEud pic.twitter.com/oUnVWbvRL9
— BC Hockey League (@GoBCHL) March 6, 2019
Coquitlam-Prince George schedule: (Spruce Kings home games in bold)
Game 1 – Friday March 1st – Coquitlam @ Prince George – SK WON 3-1
Game 2 – Saturday March 2nd – Coquitlam @ Prince George – SK WON 3-2 (OT)
Game 3 – Monday March 4th – Prince George @ Coquitlam – SK WON 5-2
Game 4 – Tuesday March 5th – Prince George @ Coquitlam – EXPRESS WON 3-0
Game 5 – Thursday March 7th – Coquitlam @ Prince George – 7 PM
Game 6 – Saturday March 9th – Prince George @ Coquitlam – 3 PM (If Necessary)
Game 7 – Monday March 11th – Coquitlam @ Prince George – 7 PM (If Necessary)