Firebirds Clinch Fourth-Consecutive Playoff Bid
Injuries and call-ups challenge the Firebirds, yet they secure a historic fourth-straight playoff berth. Can a depleted roster find championship form?
Over the weekend, the Kraken’s AHL-affiliate Coachella Valley Firebirds officially clinched their spot in the playoffs. The team has participated in the Calder Cup playoffs every year since its inception in 2022. With a 39-22-5 record and six games remaining, the Firebirds are third in Pacific Division standings.
The Ontario Reign and Colorado Eagles are first and second, respectively. The Firebirds have faced a slew of injuries in the latter half of this season. With the Kraken also recalling several players, it has made for a rag-tag roster with multiple players called up from the Kansas City Mavericks to fill roles left vacant.
Ty Nelson, Jagger Firkus, and Caden Price are all among the injured, recently joined by Logan Morrison who left Friday’s game with a lower body injury. With just over two weeks until playoffs commence, it is likely that much of the currently-sidelined roster will be able to return to the ice. A healthy team will be necessary if the Firebirds want to make a deep playoff run.
The Firebirds returned home Sunday. On Wednesday, they will face the 5th-place Henderson Silver Knights, followed by two games against the Ontario Reign. The final home game of the regular season is April 19th.