Calder Cup Finals: Firebirds fall to Bears in Game 4, series now tied 2-2
Watch live post-game reaction live in the player below:
The Hershey Bears survived another Coachella Valley Firebirds comeback attempt, securing a 3-2 win in Game 4 of the Calder Cup Finals.
The series is now tied 2-2 with Game 5 Saturday in Hershey. Game 6 will be Monday at Acrisure Arena in the Coachella Valley.
And just like that, the #CalderCup Finals are tied 2-2. @TheHersheyBears | #CVvsHER pic.twitter.com/TlvtE26lqH
— American Hockey League (@TheAHL) June 16, 2023
Meanwhile, the Firebirds will look to regain the series lead in Game 5 Saturday in Hershey. You can watch that game live starting at 3:30 p.m. on News Channel 3 (ABC).
You'll also be able to watch Game 6 live on Monday on Fox 11. Coverage starts at 6:30 p.m.
THIRD PERIOD
The Firebirds started the comeback in the middle of the third period. Jesper Froden scored his fifth goal of the AHL playoffs. The Firebirds still trail 3-2.
3-2 her leads pic.twitter.com/ZXV4nYeLtX
— x - Coachella Valley Firebirds (@Firebirds) June 16, 2023
SECOND PERIOD
The Bears struck first again in the second period.
Two goals in the playoffs before the Finals.
— Hershey Bears (@TheHersheyBears) June 16, 2023
Two goals in the Finals.
Veccs is ROARING!
🍎Day
🍏Borgstrom pic.twitter.com/9p0ygCAzmn
The Bears doubled up their lead as the third period was beginning to wrap up. The Bears lead 3-1.
Goals in back-to-back games for Frankie!
— Hershey Bears (@TheHersheyBears) June 16, 2023
🍎: Vecchione pic.twitter.com/zmUcDCWSUE
FIRST PERIOD
The Bears struck first, scoring within the first five minutes of the 1st period.
That one felt good 😤
— Hershey Bears (@TheHersheyBears) June 15, 2023
🍎: Morelli & Snively pic.twitter.com/Afpo5DBVI1
Bears strike first. Power play goal less than 5 minutes into the game. @KESQ pic.twitter.com/V8gBmJkOkg
— Blake Arthur (@BlakeArthur24) June 15, 2023
The Firebirds tied it a few minutes later thanks to a goal by Austin Poganski, his second of the playoffs.
End of 1 in Game 4. We have ourselves a 1-1 tie in a good, back-and-forth opening period.@KESQ #CalderCup #Firebirds
— Blake Arthur (@BlakeArthur24) June 15, 2023
Original Report:
The Coachella Valley Firebirds will look to shake off a heartbreaking loss on Tuesday and retake a commanding lead in the Calder Cup Finals.
Game 4 between the Firebirds and Bears will be played today at the Giant Center in Hershey, Pennsylvania. You can watch the game live on Fox 11, coverage starts at 3:30 p.m.
There will also be a watch party at Spotlight 29 Casino. Firebirds Coach Dan Bylsma told News Channel 3's Blake Arthur today that the team can feel the support from the fans back home.
Check Out: Firebirds earn highest playoff attendance by one team in AHL history
Lot of fans back home cheering on the Birds in the Calder Cup Finals vs @TheHersheyBears. Just know, Bylsma and the boys can feel the support all the way out here in Hershey, PA.@KESQ @Firebirds @BaileyKESQ @Qassignmentdesk @Tarp1969 @29casino @EvanPivnick @grantfuhr @timkiley pic.twitter.com/7rZLvN7yZb
— Blake Arthur (@BlakeArthur24) June 15, 2023
The Firebirds lead the best-of-seven series 2-1.
They were so close to pulling off a miraculous comeback during Game 3 on Tuesday, but ultimately lost 5-4 in overtime.
The Firebirds were down two goals with just minutes left in the third period, but Cameron Hughes stepped up and scored twice as the game was wrapping up to send it to overtime.
Unfortunately, the Bears came away with the win in overtime, but the Firebirds showed they will continue to fight no matter the odds.
The Game 3 loss means that a Game 5 is guaranteed to happen. You can watch the game live Saturday on News Channel 3.
If the Firebirds win Game 4 today, then they could potentially win the Calder Cup with another win on Saturday.
Be the first to know when news breaks in Coachella Valley. Download the News Channel 3 app here.
Coverage of the Calder Cup Finals in Hershey is made possible by the Coachella Valley Journalism Foundation. The Coachella Valley Journalism Foundation is a nonprofit that identifies needs in the local journalism ecosystem and seeks out grants and donations from individuals to bridge those gaps. The CVJF is a 501(c)3 organization, and all contributions are tax-deductible. Learn more at www.cvjf.org.
