DRIEDGER STYMIES SAN JOSE FOR SECOND STRAIGHT SHUTOUT

Firebirds’ Netminder Makes 25 Saves to Extend Team’s Point Streak to 10.

The Coachella Valley Firebirds defeated the San Jose Barracuda on Thursday night by the final score of 4-0. Chris Driedger stopped all 25 Barracuda shots on goal as the Firebirds have now recorded points in 13 of their last 14 games. 

Kole Lind opened the scoring for Coachella Valley, notching his 10^th goal of the season at 15:24. Max McCormick fed Lind in front of the net and beat San Jose netminder Magnus Chrona to make it 1-0. Andrew Poturalski earned the secondary assist which him his 400^th career American Hockey League point. 

After a goalless second period, Max McCormick extended the Firebirds lead with his team-leading 20^th goal of the season. Andrew Poturalski found the Firebirds’ captain alone at the top of the crease with the secondary assist belonging to Kole Lind.

The Firebirds tallied two empty-net, shorthanded goals in the closing minutes of the game. Ryan Winterton and Marian Studenic each hit the vacant cage within 22 seconds of one another to secure a 4-0 lead for Coachella Valley.

With the win, the Firebirds gain two more points and extend their lead in the Pacific Division.

The victory moves Coachella Valley’s record to 28-12-4-2 on the year. The Firebirds powerplay finished 0-for-4 and the penalty kill went 2-for-2.

See the game’s full box score HERE.

NEXT GAME

Coachella Valley continue their homestand on Saturday night when they face the Colorado Eagles at 6pm. Head to Ticketmaster to lock in your seat before it’s too late. Don’t forget to purchase parking in advance online at ParkWhiz.

Don’t miss a moment of Coachella Valley Firebirds’ hockey! Group, Flex, and Individual tickets for remainder of the 2023-24 season are on sale now! For more information on ticket options, click HERE or call 760-835-8778.

Stay up to date on the latest Firebirds’ news and info by visiting CVFirebirds.com and by following the team on social media @Firebirds.