Firebirds drop back-to-back at home despite historic shooting night

The Coachella Valley Firebirds fall to 6-4 on the season after losing both games over the weekend at home. First it was Calgary and then Tucson on Sunday night, who recorded 49 shots on the Birds.

Tucson got out to a 2-0 lead in the first period on goals from Arku Raty and Milos Kelemen. The two strikes came just 1:10 apart halfway through the opening frame.

Coachella Valley found a response in the second period on a shot from the blueline by Gustav Olofsson. Olofsson’s shot was redirected in front and ricocheted five-hole on Roadrunners’ netminder Matt Villalta. Cameron Hughes and Logan Morrison earned the assist on Olofsson’s first of the season. Tucson regained their two-goal lead just 27 seconds later on a powerplay goal from John Leonard.

The Firebirds pulled within one thanks to a Jeremy McKenna goal, but the Roadrunners quickly responded with a pair of goals to make it 5-2. Marian Studenic scored late for Coachella Valley to notch his fourth goal of the season.

The Firebirds were outshot by the Roadrunners 49-48. Ales Stezka (1-1) made 44 saves in the loss. Coachella Valley’s powerplay went 0-for-4 while the penalty kill finished 3-for-4.