The Coachella Valley Firebirds and Calgary Wranglers are set to face off in the first round of the Calder Cup Playoffs. This marks their third meeting in as many postseasons, with the Firebirds entering as the 4th-seed and the Wranglers as the 5th-seed in the Pacific Division. The series is set to begin on Tuesday, April 22, 2025, at Acrisure Arena, starting a best-of-three series.
The Firebirds have a history of success against the Wranglers, having defeated them in previous playoff encounters over the past two seasons. The Firebirds hold a 22-11 all-time record against Calgary and a 6-2 record this year. Despite challenges throughout the season, head coach Derek Laxdal aims to peak his squad's performance at the right moment.
Calgary's early-season promise faded with inconsistent results. Their defensive weaknesses, particularly in penalties and goals conceded, have been notable. However, goalie Waltteri Ignatjew's recent performances have been promising and might lead him to be the starting goalie as the playoffs commence.
Coachella Valley's lineup, reinforced by the return of players like Jani Nyman and others falling back from the Seattle Kraken, seems set for the playoffs. With a well-organized team, they boast a strong penalty kill and have minimized penalty minutes throughout the season, possibly providing a strategic advantage.
Calgary has several key players in Rory Kerins and Martin Frk, but their defensive inconsistencies remain a significant concern. The Firebirds' strength in both five-on-five play and power play, along with the return of their top goal scorer Nyman and solid contributions from Ben Meyers, look promising for playoff success. Coach Laxdal's experience in leading teams through playoffs adds another layer of confidence.
Overall, while surprises are always possible in a short series, the Firebirds are seen as contenders to advance past Calgary.