Coachella Valley Firebirds defeat Calgary Wranglers 4-3 in triple overtime of Game 1

PALM DESERT, Calif. (KESQ) - The Coachella Valley Firebirds defeat the Calgary Wranglers in a 4-3 triple overtime marathon. Game two will be on Saturday back at Acrisure Arena.

Wow! Firebirds defeat the Wranglers in a 4-3 triple overtime marathon. Mitchell Stephens plays hero for Coachella Valley with the game winner. Much needed rest days ahead before Game 2 on Saturday back at Acrisure Arena. @KESQ

— Blake Arthur (@BlakeArthur24) April 23, 2025

The Firebirds were 6-2-0 against the Wranglers, the Calgary Flames' American Hockey League affiliate, in the regular season, including a 3-1-0 record at Acrisure Arena.

This is the third consecutive year the teams have met in the playoffs. The Firebirds, the Seattle Kraken's AHL affiliate, winning both of the previous matchups en route to the Calder Cup Finals.  

The Firebirds (37-25-5-5) were fourth in the 10-team Pacific Division with 84 points. Calgary (37-28-4-3) was fifth with 81 points.   

The entire best-of-three series will be played at Acrisure Arena, with Game 2 Saturday, and Game 3, if necessary, Sunday.