Some good jump in the first period couldn't counter a big burst in the second.

The Coquitlam Express came out with a strong effort over the first 30 minutes Wednesday in their B.C. Hockey League game against the Surrey Eagles.

Unfortunately, the high-flying Eagles picked their spots, and proceeded to pick apart Coquitlam's gameplan.

Three tallies midway through the second period gave host Surrey an edge they'd build on in a 6-2 victory.

The Eagles got goals from Michael Stenerson, former Express sniper Brady Shaw and Mason Blacklock in the middle frame to create a 3-0 hole for Coquitlam.

Craig Wyszomirski made it 4-0 seven minutes into the third before John Siemer put Coquitlam on the scoreboard halfway through the final period.

Philip Zielonka added a late powerplay marker for the visitors.

Coquitlam outshot Surrey 36-35 but were foiled by netminder Michael Santaguida, who turned back all 23 shots over the first two periods.

The Eagles had plenty of motivation in the game, as the win leapfrogged them past Chilliwack in the battle for first place in the Mainland Division. Coquitlam, meanwhile, fell to 16-20-1, three points back of Langley in the race for the final playoff spot.

Siemer finished with a goal and an assist, pushing him into second place among league scoring leaders with 20 goals and 29 assists over 37 games.

Zielonka, who also had a two-point night, sits 18th overall despite having played just 24 games in the BCHL.

The league's trade deadline was yesterday (past The NOW's deadline), but head coach and general manager Jon Calvano had commented last week that the club was weighing its options as to whether or not to move veterans for prospects.

While a league embargo was placed on announcements of deadline deals until today, the Vernon Vipers' and Port Moody product Adam Tambellini tweeted Thursday that he had been dealt to Surrey. The 18-year-old, who signed a scholarship deal with North Dakota for 2013-14, stood 11th in league scoring.

With 19 games left on the schedule, the Express still has time to overcome Langley for the fourth and final playoff berth.

Coquitlam can close the gap this weekend with wins over Merritt tonight (Friday) and Prince George on Saturday, both starting at 7 a.m. at the Poirier Sports Centre.