After a small set back losing game 4 to the Milwaukee Admirals, the Coachella Valley Firebirds regrouped quickly and dismantled the Admirals this evening 5-1 and punched their ticket to the Calder Cup for a second year in a row.
The ice was tilted in the Firebirds favor as they dominated through this game and firebirds center John Hayden led the way with hat trick and goaltender Chris Driedger had 32 saves. The firebirds also dominated on the power play as they were able to put together 2 power play goals as the Admirals were quite undisciplined throughout the contest.
The Firebirds now can rest easy for a few days until they find out who their next opponent will be as the Eastern Conference finals have yet to be settled which could be a potential rematch of last years finals with the Hershey Bears playing the Cleveland Monsters.
Having the Firebirds head to the Calder cup for a second year is a great achievement for the Kraken organization. The team's development and the ability to learn how to win and handle the pressure of a cup finals is vital for a teams outcome.
This also gives general manager Ron Francis and incoming head coach Dan Bylsma a good indication of who is ready to play in the NHL and who could be effective for the Kraken.
