Calgary Wranglers knocked out of playoffs as Coachella Valley Firebirds complete sweep
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The Calgary Wranglers ride for an American Hockey League championship came to a screeching halt Saturday night.
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The Coachella Valley Firebirds eliminated the Flames affiliate in a 2-0 decision, closing out the best-of-three first-round series in a sweep that matched the Game 2 result at Acrisure Arena in Thousand Palms, Calif.
The Wranglers were shut out on the evening, thanks to a 23-save by Firebirds goaltender Nikke Kokko.
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Wranglers goalie Waltteri Ignatjew wasn't too shabby himself, stopping 18 pucks fired at him by the 'Birds.
But it was Mitchell Stephens beating him 15:22 into the second period. The Firebirds forward's third of the post-season ended up being the game-winner.
Teammate John Hayden scored his second of the playoffs into an empty net for insurance with just 17 seconds left in the contest.
The Firebirds now advance in the Calder Cup Playoffs to meet the Abbotsford Canucks in the AHL's Pacific Division semifinal series.
And the Wranglers head home for the off-season after a successful 37-28-4-3 regular season.
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