CV Firebirds fall to the SJ Barracuda 5-2

THOUSAND PALMS, Calif. (KESQ) - The Coachella Valley Firebirds (3-3-2-1) return home did not go as planned, losing to the San Jose Barracuda 5-2 Friday night.

The Firebirds came back to Acrisure Arena after a tough four games on the road, winning just one game.

San Jose opened the scoring with two goals in the first seven minutes of the game. Andre Gasseau put the Barracuda ahead at 5:10 before Brett Leason doubled the lead just 1:28 later.

Coachella Valley responded at 13:02 of the opening period as Dragicevic found the back of the net, cutting the deficit to 2-1. Alexis Bernier and Logan Morrison recorded assists on Dragicevic’s second of the season and second in as many games.

The Barracuda extended their advantage in the second period with goals from Libor Hájek at 7:32 and Donavan Houle at 15:20, taking a 4-1 lead into the final frame.

San Jose added an empty-net goal from Ethan Cardwell at 14:53 of the third period. Nyman scored with 39 seconds remaining in regulation, assisted by Morrison and Tyson Jugnauth, to make it a 5-2 final.

Goaltender Nikke Kokko made 29 saves as the Firebirds were outshot 34-24. Both teams finished 0-for-3 on the power play.

The Firebirds continue their homestand this Wednesday, October 28, as they face the Tucson Roadrunners at 7:00 p.m. PT.