The Firebirds were able to come away with a 6-2 victory in Game 3
The Coachella Valley Firebirds took a 2-1 series lead in the Calder Cup Finals Tuesday with a 6-2 Game 3 victory.
Early on in the first period, the Bears took a bench minor for an incorrect starting lineup. On the ensuing power play, the Firebirds were able to strike and gain the early lead, thanks to Max McCormick's sixth of the playoffs.
While momentum didn't seem to sway to either side after the initial goal, the Firebirds were able to strike again less than four minutes later with McCormick's second of the game.
With two goals allowed in under seven minutes, the Bears seemed to wake up afterwards and were able to cut the lead in half on a Henrik Rybinski goal under three minutes later.
Although both teams exchanged chances during the rest of the period, the score stayed the same and the Firebirds took a 2-1 lead into the intermission.
Entering the second period, Kole Lind took a high-sticking penalty 40 seconds in to give the Bears a power play and they took advantage of the opportunity as Alex Limoges scored his fourth of the playoffs to tie the game.
While the first period was almost even when it came to shots, after the Bears tied the game, Coachella Valley dominated the second.
After the power play ended, the Firebirds registered the next nine shots and were able to take the lead off Lleyton Roed's first of the playoffs.
Finishing the period with 23 shots compared to the Bears six, the Firebirds added another late in the period to take a 4-2 lead into the intermission.
With the third period being the most quiet when it comes to game action, the Bears were able to create chances but weren't able to beat Chris Driedger.
The Firebirds added two more goals in the period off the sticks of Shane Wright and Max McCormick to seal the 6-2 victory and take the series lead.
Hershey will look to even up the series on Thursday.
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