The Coquitlam Express fired 42 shots but managed to beat Surrey Eagles goalie Eli Pulver only once in a 2-1 loss to its Lower Mainland rival Saturday at the Port Coquitlam Community Centre.
The result drops the Express six points behind the Eagles in the battle for second place in the BC Hockey League’s Coastal conference.
All the goals were scored in the first period.
Surrey’s Ante Zlomislic opened the scoring four minutes after the opening face-off.
Coquitlam tied it midway through the frame when Cam Moger fired a bullet from the point that eluded Pulver, but less than seven minutes later Aaron Schwartz returned the favour, ripping a shot from the high slot past Express goalie Adam Manji.
That was the full extent of scoring, as both goalies made several key saves. Manji faced 31 shots.
The Express host Victoria on Friday for the team's annual Teddy Bear toss game, then heads to Vancouver Island for a pair of games against the Alberni Valley Bulldogs and Nanaimo Clippers on Saturday and Sunday..
