Hershey Edges Coachella Valley 3-2 in Calder Cup Game 4
In Game 4 of the AHL Calder Cup Final on Thursday, Seattle Kraken fans will fondly recall the spectacular goals by Shane Wright and Ryker Evans. However, new Kraken coach Dan Bylsma will want to forget the undisciplined penalties that plagued his Coachella Valley Firebirds. The Hershey Bears capitalized on these disruptions to secure a 3-2 victory at Acrisure Arena, tying the AHL title series at 2-2.
As a result, the Calder Cup will be decided in Hershey, PA, after either Game 6 or 7. Game 5 is set for Saturday in Palm Desert, CA.
Hershey dominated the first period, outshooting Coachella Valley 11-4. Despite several impressive saves by Firebirds goalie Chris Driedger, Ethan Frank managed to score from a sharp angle, giving Hershey a 1-0 lead at 18:37.
Frank's goal came after a lightning-fast rush down the right wing, culminating in a shot that slipped in for his 10th of the playoffs.
**2nd Period** A line brawl at 8:54 intensified the already heated atmosphere inside Acrisure Arena, where temperatures outside soared to 106�F.
During a 4-on-4, the Firebirds tied the game at 9:40 with a remarkable sequence. After losing the puck, Cale Fleury made a desperate dive to intercept a pass, then quickly passed it to Marian Studenic. Shane Wright, benefiting from the extra space, received Studenic's pass, maneuvered around Hardy Häman Aktell, and skillfully outwaited goalie Hunter Shepard to score.
However, Kole Lind's elbowing penalty gave Hershey a power play, leading to a close call where Ethan Frank hit the post. As the penalty expired, Driedger made a spectacular glove save to deny Joe Snively.
Later, Hendrix Lapierre scored at 18:00, giving Hershey a 2-1 lead heading into the third period.
3rd Period
Ryker Evans tied the game 2-2 just 32 seconds into the third period with a highlight-reel goal, despite being knocked down.
The Firebirds' sixth minor penalty proved costly, as Jacob Melanson's embellishment led to a power play goal by Snively at 4:21, putting Hershey back in front 3-2.
Hershey also struggled with penalties, but the Firebirds' power play, effective at 25% at home in the playoffs, couldn't capitalize.
The Firebirds suffered their first home playoff loss (7-1). The series, now a best-of-three, continues Saturday.
