For the fourth time in two weeks, only a single goal separated the Coquitlam Express and Chilliwack Chiefs.
Friday, it was the visiting Chiefs that prevailed, 3-2 in a shootout, at the Poirier Sport and Leisure Complex.
In the teams’ three previous meetings since Feb. 9, each won 2-1 and the Express defeated the Chiefs last Friday in Chilliwack, 3-2. Overall, Coquitlam beat the Chiefs in five of their seven games against each other.
In Friday’s game in Coquitlam, Joseph Odyniec put the home team in front 8:33 into the first period when his shot from the right circle eluded Chiefs goalie Vladimir Nikitin.
Just over five minute later, though, Chilliwack tied it on a goal by Brendan Ruskowski.
The Express regained the advantage less than two minutes into the second period when Odyniec scored again, with Sam Francine earning his second assist of the game.
Trey Patterson’s goal at 12:37 of the middle frame got the Chiefs back on even terms.
Neither team scored in the third, despite Chilliwack holding a 14-8 advantage in shots on net.
The 10-minute overtime period of three-on-three was also scoreless, necessitating the shootout.
Chiefs players scored on two of the three shots while Nikitin stopped both Coquitlam players he faced.
On the night, he made 28 saves, while Adam Manji faced 38 shots in the Express net.
Coquitlam hosts the West Kelowna Warriors on Saturday at 7 p.m. It’s the first meeting of the teams this season.
The game is also Pride Night for the Express, with Coquitlam players wearing special jerseys and rainbow tape on their sticks.
