The Prince George Spruce Kings built up some playoff momentum on the road Friday night in Coquitlam, defeating the host Express 4-1.
Jarod Hovde scored twice for the Spruce Kings (256-25-4-2), who moved back to the .500 mark with the win over their B.C. Hockey League Mainland Division rivals. The Express (11-44-1-2) remained last in the division, having lost seven of their last eight games.
Ben Poisson gave the Spruce Kings their first lead eight minutes into the second period, his 12th goal of the season, and the Kings went on to outshot their opponents 18-6 in the middle frame.
Defenceman Bryan Allbee, wit his second of the season, and Hovde doubled the lead in the third period. For Hovde, his 19th goal capped the scoring, 11:20 into the final period.
Jake O'Brien struck first for the Express 7:51 into the game. Hovde countered for Prince George, 13:32 into the first period.
Travis Schneider picked up two assists for the Kings.
Tavin Grant, in his first start in the Spruce Kings' goal since suffering a hamstring injury in a game in Surrey on Feb. 2, made 18 saves to improve his season record to 15-18-0. Lawson Fenton took the loss in the Coquitlam nets. His team was outshot 47-21
The Spruce Kings wrap up the regular season with games tonight in Langley and Sunday in Chilliwack. The Kings will finish fourth in the Mainland Division and will face the first-overall Wenatchee Wild in the first round of playoffs, a best-of-seven series which starts March 4 in Wenatchee.
