The Coachella Valley Firebirds defeated the Milwaukee Admirals in game three of the Western Conference Finals on Tuesday night by the final score of 5-2. Five different goal scorers lit the lamp to help the Firebirds take a 3-0 series lead in the Western Conference Finals. Chris Driedger made 31 saves in the Firebirds’ ninth straight victory.

The Firebirds scored three times in the first period to put the Admirals in an early hole. Cale Fleury finished off a feed from Devin Shore just 31 seconds into the game. The goal was Fleury’s fourth of the playoffs and the secondary assist was awarded to John Hayden. Seven seconds after a Coachella Valley powerplay came to an end, Ryker Evans took the puck behind the Milwaukee net and wrapped it off the pad off Troy Grosenick and in to make it 2-0. Evans’ goal was his third of the playoffs and was assisted by Fleury and Andrew Poturalski. Ryan Winterton capped off the scoring in the opening frame, tapping home a pass from Cameron Hughes at 16:04.

Coachella Valley extended their lead even further with another quick strike to begin the second period. Poturalski found himself on a 2-on-1 in the offensive zone and slid the puck to Max McCormick who made it 4-0. It was McCormick’s fifth of the playoffs and came just 1:34 into the middle stanza. Milwaukee responded with a pair of goals in the second period to cut the lead to 4-2. 

In the closing minutes of the third period, Jacob Melanson sealed the team’s ninth straight victory with an empty net goal to put Coachella Valley ahead 5-2. 

The Firebirds were outshot by the Admirals 33-25. Coachella Valley finished the game 0-for-3 on the powerplay and went 3-for-3 on the penalty kill. 

Click HERE for the game’s final box score.

The Firebirds will look to close out the series this Thursday for game four. Puck drop is set for 5pm PT. 

HOME PLAYOFF TICKETS ON SALE NOW!

Get $35 tickets with the Disco Dan Discount in honor of Firebirds Head Coach Dan Bylsma being named the next Head Coach of the Seattle Kraken! Tickets are on sale now at Ticketmaster.com or at the Ticketmaster Box Office at Acrisure Arena. 

Click HERE for updated box office hours and other postseason information. Box office hours subject to change.

Don’t forget to purchase parking and save 20% by paying in advance online at ParkWhiz.

WATCH PARTIES

#FuelTheFire with Spotlight 29, the official partner of the 2024 postseason. Join your fellow Firebirds fans while the team is on the road for the official team watch parties at the Showroom at Spotlight 29 Casino! Doors open one hour prior to puck drop. The event is open to all ages.

GET YOUR GEAR!

The Firebirds team store is stocked with new playoff merchandise! Buy online in advance and skip the lines with priority pick-up options or stop by the team store outside of Acrisure Arena. Current hours are listed below:

Sun-Mon: Closed

Tues-Thurs: 11am – 7pm

Fri-Sat: 11am – 8pm

*Game Days: 10am – 2pm*

*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! Group tickets are available for all 2024 postseason 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 HEREto learn more about securing your seat for next season!

Stay up to date on the latest Firebirds’ news and info by visiting CVFirebirds.com and by following the team on social media @Firebirds.