They never said it was going to be easy.
That said, taking a crapton of penalties in the 2nd and ultimately the third was nowhere near the description and it was explicitly something I said they should avoid doing.
The Highlights
Game Notes
- Really the Firebirds and the Bears gave as good as they got; Hershey rebounded strong from Game 3 and Coachella Valley had to work hard just to keep up with them. That’s expected, it’s the Calder Cup Finals; if it were easy, it would be over by now. Tonight’s game was unfortunately decided by the Firebirds being a bit off their game early on, in the discipline department…and the penalty kill, which had been solid all night (thanks to some matching minors), snapping at the worst possible time in the third period. Hunter Shepard just had to keep the door closed for 16 minutes more, and a Game 6 manifested on the schedule. It is what it is.
- Kind of a shambolic night in front of both team’s nets. Both Driedger and Shepard kind of got away with losing the puck in the crease more than once and it’s only by the grace of sheer dumb luck that the score didn’t end something to the tune of 8-5 for how poorly both sides handled blocking shots and defending their net.
- Shane Wright had the opening goal for the Firebirds on a power move to the net; and with it has surpassed his point total from last year’s playoffs in a fraction of the time. I’ve already said it, but this kid is ready. The goal for true style however, goes to Ryker Evans, who absolutely tore through the Hershey defense and got a shot through while on his knee. If nothing else, these kids have style.
- The Firebirds’ would-be hero for this game was Marian Studenic, who picked up a pair of primary assists on Evans and Wright’s goals. Good for him!
- One thing the Firebirds desperately have to work on is getting a power play goal; they’ve only gotten 1 in their last 10 tries, though part of it is that the man-advantage has been hard to come by up until…well, tonight. Take advantage when they give you a chance, gents!
- I’m not worried yet. The Firebirds probably expected this kind of game from Hershey and they still managed to overcome their slow start. Just gotta respond on Saturday.
Game 5 looms large as the Firebirds get to take advantage of the desert’s warm welcome one last time before having to alternate between Game 6 in Hershey…and a Game 7 back in Coachella Valley if it comes to that.
While I’d love for the Firebirds to win at home, let’s hope it doesn’t come to that.
Game 5 will begin on Saturday, and it drops the puck at 7pm PT.
We’ll see you there.
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