Firebirds defeat Admirals 3-1, take 2-0 series lead in Western Conference Finals
The Coachella Valley Firebirds are now up two games in the Western Conference Finals series against the Milwaukee Admirals.
The Firebirds beat the Admirals 3-1 at home in Game 2 of the best-of-seven series. Goaltender Chris Driedger was one of the stars of the game, recording 31 saves to help lead the Firebirds to victory.
Birds dub. 8 straight. 2-0 series lead on Milwaukee. pic.twitter.com/sdWOD3EdQQ
— Blake Arthur (@BlakeArthur24) June 1, 2024
The Firebirds are undefeated at home in the playoffs. Driedger has an 8-1 record in the Calder Cup playoffs. Coachella Valley has won eight games in a row.
The Admirals are now 1-5 on the road but 5-1 at home this postseason. The series heads to Milwaukee for Game 3 on Tuesday.
Game 2 began with a rousing performance of the national anthem by American Idol winner, and Indio native, Abi Carter who did the ceremonial puck drop following her rendition of the Star Spangled Banner.
And it didn't take long for the Firebirds to take advantage of an enthusiastic 10,000+ crowd at Acrisure Arena.
One of the best visuals are these red glow sticks, man. What an invention! Game 2 starting soon. Firebirds-Admirals WCF. @KESQ pic.twitter.com/92y1NQpesn
— Blake Arthur (@BlakeArthur24) June 1, 2024
Andrew Poturalski scored 28 seconds into the game to put the Firebirds up.
right off the start 🔥 birds take the lead 1-0 pic.twitter.com/GFIV8z80HW
— y - Coachella Valley Firebirds (@Firebirds) June 1, 2024
The Firebirds got on the board again near the tail end of the first period thanks to a power-play goal by Ryker Evans.
BIRDS UP BY 2 pic.twitter.com/Uc2W3x32UC
— y - Coachella Valley Firebirds (@Firebirds) June 1, 2024
Milwaukee cut the lead down to 1 goal after scoring a little over five minutes into the second period.
THE WIZARD OF OZ!#MILhockey pic.twitter.com/L3fQDJow9s
— y - Milwaukee Admirals (@mkeadmirals) June 1, 2024
Kole Lind brought the Firebirds back up 3-1 with five minutes left in the third period.
BIRDS NOW LEAD 3-1 🔥🔥
— y - Coachella Valley Firebirds (@Firebirds) June 1, 2024
3:35 to go in the 2nd period pic.twitter.com/Ph3pwSbvss
The Coachella Valley defeated Milwaukee 2-1 in Game 1, thanks to John Hayden's two goals and Chris Driedger's 37 saves, leading Coachella Valley to victory.
The Firebirds are looking to send off head coach Dan Bylsma with a Calder Cup. Bylsma was introduced as Seattle Kraken head coach on Tuesday. He will remain with the team through the remainder of the Calder Cup playoffs.
Milwaukee will host the next three games (Game 5 if necessary) in the best-of-seven series. Watch parties will be hosted at Spotlight 29 Casino.
On the other end of the country, the defending Calder Cup champion Hershey Bears hold a 1-0 series lead over the Cleveland Monsters. The winner of the Eastern Conference Finals will meet the winner of the Western Conference Final in the Calder Cup Finals.
