RIVERMEN 6 EXPRESS 2

Tory Robillard and Reid Cooper - Photo courtesy of Damon James

A fast start in the first 10 minutes for the Langley Rivermen put them on the right path to a 6-2 win over the Express Friday.

The Rivermen put the Express in a hole in the opening minute on a goal by Mckay Flanagan on just the second Langley shot just 35 seconds into the game.

Alex Ambrosio - Photo courtesy of Damon James

Langley owned the puck for the first few minutes of the game. Max Kaufman converted a pass from behind the Express net for a 2-0 Rivermen lead just over 7 minutes into the game. Zac Masson set up both Langley goals in the first 7 minutes. At one point in the first period the Rivermen had a 9-0 advantage in shots.

Will Lawrence got the Express on the board just 8 seconds into a power play burying the rebound of a David Giunta point shot. Those were the first two shots of the game for the Express just shy of the 9 minute mark of the first period.

One theme from Friday's game saw the Rivermen have a quick response just when it appeared the Express might be turning the game looking to mounting a come back.

Just 1:44 after Lawrence's goal the Rivermen re-stored their two goal lead thanks to Gavin Payne whose pass intended for Max Kaufman deflected off an Express defender and past Reid Cooper for a 3-1 Langley lead just past the 10 minute mark.

David Giunta struck at 11:11 of the second period when his point shot surprised Braedon Fleming to get the Express within one a second time at 3-2.  Ginuta finished with a goal and an assist.

D. Giunta had 1G, 1A
Photo courtesy of D. James

It was a challenge for the Express to consistently generate shots in the game. Late in the second period a penalty to Langley's Cooper Leitch presented an opportunity for the Express to even the game.

But again Gavin Payne killed those hopes. With just 7 seconds left in the second period he stole the puck off Reid Cooper and beat him back to the net for a shorthanded goal for a 4-2 Langley lead through 2 periods.

The timing of the shorthanded goal and considering the circumstances was too much for the Express to overcome on this night.

Langley put the finishing touches on the game with goals by Angus Crookshank and Cooper Leitch 19 seconds apart giving Langley a 6-2 lead.

The Express were only able to muster 12 shots in the game, Langley finished with 37.

One bright spot for the Express Friday was another strong night on the penalty killing which shut down all 5 Langley advantages.

Saturday night the Express will wrap up their 4 game week when they host the Trail Smoke Eaters.