Coachella Valley played their hearts out from beginning to end. From Game 1 to Game 7. They did everything in their power. They even looked like they were well ahead on getting it happen.
But the thing about the games is that you still need to play them, and play them into the dirt. Doubt cannot be left. For the first time all playoffs, unfortunately…
The Firebirds left doubt.
Here’s How it Happened:
Game Notes:
- The Firebirds actually did plenty in Periods 1 and 2 to not lose this game. That’s what’s going to get me. Hell, they were the better team throughout the entire game. They just weren’t the better team for three shifts, and that’s all it took. They did have a lot of trouble with those net-front scrambles late in the game, which ultimately doomed the run, and it’s just a shame to see them go out like this.
- Hunter Shepard won the AHL MVP award after the fact and he earned it as soon as goal 2 for the Firebirds went in; he became a fortress that the Bears could effectively re-start their entire game around, and it allowed them to continue playing with confidence in a game that looked for all the world to be going Coachella’s way. Joey played well too…he just didn’t play well enough to win.
- I couldn’t help but notice that the Firebirds took 4 penalties and coughed up a power play goal in the process, allowing the Bears back into it, and scored none of their own. Special teams and puck security letting an otherwise excellent 5v5 team effort down, ultimately leading to the end of their season you say? Is it May again?
- Still, I’ll give credit where credit’s due. If this wasn’t the game that galvanized Hershey’s efforts, it was 100% Game 5, where Hunter Shepard allowed the Bears to hold a 1-0 result against Coachella. That hasn’t happened all playoffs up until now, and unfortunately the Baby Squids just couldn’t truly adjust in time in spite of the home-ice advantage.
Let’s give a hand to:
- Kole Lind, who played out of his mind all playoffs long, finishing with 31 points.
- Max McCormick, who led the entire playoffs in goals scored with 14. Just an incredible performer at this level, and well done to him.
- Ryker Evans, who made a significant case towards him going to the big dance and staying there all throughout these playoffs with 26 points in 26 games.
- Joey Freaking Daccord, man. Only Hunter Shepard could single-handedly backstop his way above the kind of game Joey was putting on throughout these playoffs. He finished this playoffs with a
- The Fans. You guys showed up, and the fans in CV showed up big time for a series that was one for the ages. Say what you will of what other teams in a certain desert are doing; Hockey can work in the desert. Every person who showed up with signs, jokes, and wigs proved it.
- Japers Rink, who get to celebrate Hershey’s 12 Calder Cup. As your decision to start covering the Calder Cup games on Tuesday shows, it’s not how you start, it’s how you finish.
- The Hershey Bears, I guess.
With that, the AHL season draws to a close, and further draft content awaits. We thank you very much for following the games and our coverage.
Go Firebirds.
We’ll get it next year.
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