Now 7-and-0 at home in the playoffs, the Kraken’s AHL affiliate Coachella Valley Firebirds moved to within two wins of a Calder Cup championship. The 6-2 win in Game-3 of the final against the Hershey Bears on Tuesday night gave the Firebirds a 2-1 lead in the best-of-seven series, with Game-4 slated for Thursday night at Acrisure Arena.
More than nine thousand Coachella Valley faithful turned out to watch captain Max McCormick tally a hat trick for the winners. He scored twice in the first period and added an empty netter late in the third.
Seattle forward prospect Shane Wright posted a goal and two assists.
The Kraken’s top farm club came one goal short of winning the Calder Cup last spring, losing Game-7 to the Bears in overtime. The rematch will continue Saturday night in the palm desert. If the perfect home record holds up, the Firebirds would be champs after Game-5. If not, the series returns to Hershey for Game-6 next Monday night and potentially for a Game-7 on Wednesday.
Firebirds head coach Dan Bylsma was named Kraken head coach at the end of last month. He’d obviously love to finish his AHL tenure with a title.
Earlier Kraken:
— 3 Seattle Prospects Dot Elite Major Junior Lists
