The Coquitlam Express spotted the Alberni Valley Bulldogs a 3-0 lead midway through their game Friday and never recovered, losing 5-3 in Port Alberni.
It was Coquitlam’s third straight loss on its extended run of road games since the team returned from its holiday break. The Express doesn’t play a home game again until Jan. 24.
Goals by Luke Vardy at 14:47 of the second period and Jake Manfre on the power play 8:48 into the third closed Coquitlam to within a goal.
But the Bulldogs restored its margin to two goals when Wyatt Blace scored with 1:45 left in regulation time.
It turns out the home team needed the cushion, as Sam Frandina made it 4-3 16 seconds later before Alberni Valley iced its 18th win of the season with an empty netter.
Adam Manji made 30 saves in the Express net while his teammates fired 33 shots at Bulldogs’ keeper Callum Tung.
Coquitlam visits the Nanaimo Clippers tonight (Saturday) at 7 p.m.
