The Coquitlam Express could move on to the second round of the BC Hockey League playoffs with a win Saturday at the Poirier Sport and Leisure Complex.
The Express defeated the Alberni Valley Bulldogs 2-1 in Port Alberni Friday to take a 3-2 lead in their best of seven opening round series.
Joseph Odyniec scored the game winner, poking the puck just past the outstretched glove of Bulldogs goalie Callum Tung with less than five minutes remaining in regulation time.
Alberni Valley tried desperately to score the equalizer, pulling Tung for an extra attacker with 2:24 remaining, but couldn’t break through Coquitlam’s defence and beat Express keeper Adam Manji.
Noah Dziver’s second goal of the playoff put Coquitlam in front midway through the first period.
The Bulldogs tied it up 13:48 into the second period when Hayden Stavroff pushed the puck over the goalline after it slid under Manji,
Each team had 24 shots.
Game time Saturday is 7 p.m.
