Firebirds even series with Colorado thanks to shutout gem in Game 2
Nikke Kokko stopped all 33 shots he saw to help the Firebirds tie the Pacific Division Finals series with Colorado at 1-1
The Coachella Valley Firebirds bounced back Friday. Acrisure Arena came alive early in the third period, after the Firebirds scored a pair of goals within 71 seconds to break a scoreless tie with the Colorado Eagles. Coachella Valley went on to win, 4-0.
The best-of-five Pacific Division Finals is now tied 1-1, with the series now headed to Colorado for Games 3, 4 and, if necessary, 5. Game 3 is Sunday at 5 p. m.
Forward J. R. Avon, who scored the series-clinching goal against the Ontario Reign, scored first for the Firebirds.
He found the back of the net on a slapshot just one minute and 20 seconds into the third period. The goal broke a five-period scoring drought for Coachella Valley, which was shut out in Game 1. With the home crowd rocking, forward Eduard Sale scored on the rush to give the Firebirds a two-goal lead.