Firebirds vs. Reign Game 1 RECAP: Coachella draws first blood in 3-2 Win!

Well would you look at that, Ontario.

You CAN bleed!

The Highlights!

Game Notes

• Chris Driedger once again had a wonderful night; bringing .935 SV% on 31 shots. Which is impressive, given just how much work he was doing in comparison to Erik Portillo. The Reign had the Firebirds under siege nearly the entire game; dropping 31 shots…to the Firebirds’ 15. Cam Hughes accounted for nearly 27% of all Firebirds shooting tonight. They sat back and dared Ontario to tie it and it very nearly failed; with Ontario nearly dropping Coachella Valley’s entire game shot total in one period trying to get even. Just an unbelievable night for him, it’s a little insane he didn’t get the first star of the game.
• That first star on the other hand went to the man who put the Firebirds ahead for good; Jimmy Schuldt, who ended up being the difference maker on his first goal of the playoffs. Helluva time to jump in, but hey, they needed it badly in retrospect and he got Portillo to sell his house on the shot. I think that’s more than worth it.
• One thing I will give the Firebirds is that while they did concede 31 shots in a very tight contest, they made sure nearly half of them were well to the low danger parts of the offensive zone. Coachella meanwhile, dug in like a tick on attacking the net-front near exclusively…after which the Reign surrendered two goals from well outside that space outside the slot. Hockey!
• Devin Shore casually on a 4 game goal streak. No big deal.
• Over at Jewels From The Crown, I guessed that 3-2 victories were going to be traded back and forth between these two teams while I tore my hair out in frustration over how tight the games were. I am currently 1-0 on this prediction. I would like the Firebirds to prove me wrong by winning by 6 on Friday.

The Firebirds have a day of practice and rest, and then get right back at it against the Reign on Friday at 7pm PT.

We’ll see you there! Post The Phoenix When We Win!