Firebirds even series with Colorado thanks to shutout gem in Game 2

TL;DR

The Coachella Valley Firebirds defeated the Colorado Eagles 4-0 in Game 2, tying the Pacific Division Finals series 1-1. The series now moves to Colorado for Games 3, 4, and potentially 5.

Key points

Firebirds won Game 2 against Eagles 4-0
Series tied 1-1 in Pacific Division Finals
Game 3 scheduled for Sunday at 5 p.m.
Firebirds scored two goals in 71 seconds in third period

Coachella Valley FirebirdsColorado EaglesPacific Division Finals

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.

Firebirds defenseman Kaden Hammell (47) controls the puck during the first period against the Colorado Eagles at Acrisure Arena in Palm Desert, Calif., on Friday, May 15, 2026.

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. The goal marked just the third time in eight 2026 postseason games that a team has scored more than a single goal in a game against Eagles goalie Trent Miner.

For good measure, Avon scored another goal with under four minutes remaining in the game and then Oscar Fisker Molgaard added an empty net goal with under two minutes to play.

In the win, Coachella Valley goalie Nikke Kokko recorded his second shutout of the postseason. Kokko recorded 33 saves, including several that will surely make the highlight reel.

For the game, the Firebirds were 0-for-3 on the power play and 3-for-3 on the penalty kill. The Firebirds are 4-0 this postseason when they score on the power play but just 2-4 when they do not. Friday was one of those nights when they escaped without needing it.