Firebirds defeat Wranglers 7-5 in exciting Game 3; Coachella Valley takes 2-1 series lead
The Coachella Valley Firebirds won Game 3 of the Calder Cup playoffs Wednesday by a score of 7-5 in an exciting game. The Firebirds are now up 2-1 in the series, with a chance to close it out Friday at home.
Firebirds defeat the Wranglers 7-5, the most goals in a playoff game for Coachella Valley. Not to mention, 12 goals in total tonight. Wild game 3 here at @AcrisureArena as CV is now one game away from advancing to the next round. Game 4 is Friday. @KESQ
— Blake Arthur (@BlakeArthur24) May 9, 2024
Coachella Valley hosts Calgary this Friday at 7:00 PM for Game 4. Click here to get tickets.
Check Out Our Firebirds Section for Continuing Coverage
It was the first playoff game at Acrisure Arena this season and the Bird Barn was rocking.
Firebirds take the ice to the usual and always aesthetically pleasing pyrotechnic show. Game 3 starts soon. Coverage tonight. @KESQ @KenjiitoKESQ @Tarp1969 @Qassignmentdesk @Firebirds @AcrisureArena @FPC_AHL @AHLPR pic.twitter.com/VzDfJtrpba
— Blake Arthur (@BlakeArthur24) May 9, 2024
Glow stick SZN, playoff hockey SZN. Here we go. Firebirds-Wranglers Game 3. @KESQ @Qassignmentdesk @Tarp1969 @KenjiitoKESQ pic.twitter.com/yGsdvHJlPc
— Blake Arthur (@BlakeArthur24) May 9, 2024
The Calgary Wranglers took the lead early in the 1st period, but the Firebirds answered back with two goals in less than a minute.
MELLY MELLY MELLY!!
— y - Coachella Valley Firebirds (@Firebirds) May 9, 2024
birds take the lead 2-1!! 🔥 pic.twitter.com/D2fUZ0Yhzl
HAYDS TIES IT UP pic.twitter.com/y7MrNbyyk8
— y - Coachella Valley Firebirds (@Firebirds) May 9, 2024
The Wranglers tied it up early in the second period but the Firebirds regained the lead a few minutes later.
birds take back the lead 🔥
— y - Coachella Valley Firebirds (@Firebirds) May 9, 2024
3-2 CV pic.twitter.com/z0ZQCiu4Dj
It was back-and-forth in an action-packed 3rd Period, with both teams combining for seven goals, five of them coming in a span of 5:25.
Early in the 3rd period, Calgary evened up the game once more. And once again, much like all game long, it only took a few minutes for the Firebirds to answer back and regain the lead.
THAT SHORTY😍 pic.twitter.com/cGKZJ6Pe3Q
— y - Coachella Valley Firebirds (@Firebirds) May 9, 2024
But less than a minute later, the Wranglers tied it up.
Almost a minute after Calgary's score, the Firebirds retook the lead, thanks to back-to-back power-play goals from Devin Shore and Max McCormick.
Shore and Maxie's goals 😍
— y - Coachella Valley Firebirds (@Firebirds) May 9, 2024
birds lead 6-4 with 9:47 left in the game pic.twitter.com/GOuErP59ZM
The Wranglers wouldn't let the game end without a fight. Scoring a goal late in the 3rd period to make it 6-5.
Max McCormick ended any comeback hopes with an empty net goal within the final minute of the game to finish off Calgary.
The series came in tied 1-1 after two road games in Calgary
Tonight is the first home playoff game this season for the Firebirds with a crucial Game 3 of the Pacific Division Semis against the rival @AHLWranglers with the series all square at 1-1.
— Blake Arthur (@BlakeArthur24) May 8, 2024
Also, can confirm, swim instructor David is the best and he's pumped on the Birds. @KESQ pic.twitter.com/OMoSHsf0yy
The Firebirds come in with some momentum, thanks to a big win on the road in overtime of Game 2.
Game 4 will be this Friday at Acrisure Arena. Stay with News Channel 3 for continuing coverage of the Coachella Valley Firebirds in the Calder Cup Playoffs.
Firebirds-Wranglers History
The Coachella Valley Firebirds and the Calgary Wranglers have an interesting history. The Wranglers were the first team the Firebirds ever faced. This game was also the Wrangler's first game in the AHL.
The two teams met in the Pacific Division finals in 2023. The Firebirds ended up coming out ahead in that series after a dramatic overtime win in a winner-take-all Game 5 at Acrisure Arena.
Earlier this season, it was the Wranglers who ended the Firebirds historic win streak.
Now the two teams face off in the Calder Cup Playoffs once again.
Stay with News Channel 3 for full coverage of the Firebirds and their quest for the Calder Cup.
PLAYOFF TICKETS ARE ON SALE NOW!
Don’t wait, get your playoff tickets before it’s too late! Tickets can be purchased by visiting Ticketmaster or by visiting the Ticketmaster Box Office at Acisure Arena. Don’t forget to purchase parking in advance online at ParkWhiz.
BOX OFFICE HOURS
Avoid the fees! Head to the Ticketmaster Box Office at Acrisure Arena and get your tickets in person. The box office is open on event days from 10 am until the ticketed start time for concerts or end of the second intermission for hockey games.
WATCH PARTIES
Join your fellow Firebirds fans while the team is on the road for official team watch parties:
Game One – Friday, May 3
Burgers and Beer
72773 Dinah Shore Dr 92270
Rancho Mirage, CA 92270
Burgers and Beer
79-815 Hwy 111 Suite 101
La Quinta, CA 92253
Game Two – Sunday, May 5
The Showroom at Spotlight 29
46-200 Harrison Pl, Coachella, CA 9223
Doors open at 2 p.m. PT
GET YOUR GEAR!
The Firebirds team store is stocked with playoff merchandise! Stop by the team store outside of Acrisure Arena. Beginning on May 7, the store hours will be:
Sun-Mon: Closed
Tues-Thurs: 11 am- 7 pm
Fri-Sat: 11 am - 8pm
Game Days: 10 am - 2 pm
*Closed on Concert Days*
TICKET UPGRADE
Looking to enhance your experience for a Firebirds game? Upgrade any ticket for access to The Compound, the newest VIP space at Acrisure Arena offering fans access to a stunning outdoor space featuring private bar, food, exclusive Firebirds merchandise options, covered seating, firepits along with access to a variety of backyard games from putt-putt and pickleball to cornhole and bocce ball and more! Upgrade options are available at the game or by clicking HERE.
Don’t miss a moment of Coachella Valley Firebirds’ hockey! Flex and group tickets are available for the remaining home games. For more information click HERE or call 760-835-8778.
Get a jump on the 2024-25 Firebirds season with season tickets on sale now! In addition to all Firebirds home games, season ticket members will have access to the 2025 AHL All Star Classic presented by Spotlight 29, along with special events, gifts, and more! Click HERE to learn more about securing your seat for next season!