Firebirds fans came to rock the house for game four of the Calder Cup Finals with a nearly sold-out match. Even with the barn packed, the Firebirds lost their first home game of the playoffs. Things must change if the Firebirds want to go to Hershey with a 3-2 lead in the series.
Even though fans rocked the house, the Firebirds failed to take a 3-1 lead in the Calder Cup Finals. The Hershey Bears could hold them off, allowing only 24 shots on goal, compared to the 42 from game three. A key for the Firebirds is coming out hot, which was not the case for game four. The Bears held them to 4 shots on goal in the first period alone. As the game continued, the Firebirds found their momentum with 9 in the second and 11 in the third.
Marian Studenic
Studenic is the only Firebird with multiple points on the score sheet during game four. He got his first assist on Shane Wright’s goal. Despite two Bears players marking him tightly and preventing his own shot, Studenic found Wright open, leading to the Firebirds tying the game 1-1.
Studenic made a beautiful setup for Ryker Evans to tie the game in the third period. He was in a similar situation as his first assist of the night, as he had two Bears on himself. Coachella Valley capitalized yet again because of his ability to read the complete situation on the ice and find teammates to score goals.
Moving Forward
Play Clean
The Firebirds provided the defending champs six power plays in game four. Even though Coachella penalty killers could kill five of them successfully, the last one allowed the Bears to score the game-winning goal. It will be necessary for the Firebirds to stay out of the box as much as possible. One power-play goal can make or break a game for Coachella.
Despite Coachella Valley registering 24 shots on goal, they are a strong team at even play. During game four, the Firebirds earned 44 shot attempts. During game three, they could turn many more attempts into shots on goal, with bodies in front of the net.
Come Out Flying
Coachella Valley did come out in the first period with two shots on goal, but Hershey ended up on the board first. This is not new, as three out of the four games have started with Hershey scoring first. Coachella Valley must gain a lead in the first or second period of game five to retake the lead in the series.
Statistically, Coachella Valley can win if it leads in the first or second period. The Firebirds are 10-0 after leading and 1-2 when tied in the first period. In the second period, they are 11-0 after leading and 1-1 when tied. They need to stay in front of this Hershey team and find ways to get the puck in the back of the net.
What’s Next
The last Firebirds home game of the season will be game five on Saturday, June 22. The puck drops at 6:00 PM PT.
