Colorado Advances to Western Conference Final with 3-2 Victory in Game Four
May 20, 2026
LOVELAND, CO. – Colorado scored three unanswered goals to roar back from a 2-0 deficit and defeat the Coachella Valley Firebirds 3-2 in Game Four on Wednesday. The victory also solidified a 3-1 series win over the Firebirds, punching the Eagles ticket to the Western Conference Final of the AHL Calder Cup Playoffs for the first time in team history. Forward Tristen Nielsen notched a goal and an assist, while goaltender Trent Miner made 23 saves on 25 shots to improve to 8-2 in the postseason.
After failing to cash in on the game’s first power play, the Firebirds would generate the opening goal at even strength, thanks to a wrister from the slot from forward Jagger Firkus, putting Coachella Valley up 1-0 at the 4:13 mark of the first period.
A shot through traffic from the blue line would allow Firebirds defenseman Ville Ottavainen to stretch the lead to 2-0 just 2:30 into the second period.
Colorado would answer back when defenseman Bryan Yoon launched a wrister from the point that would deflect off a Firebird’s stick and into the back of the net, slicing the deficit to 2-1 with 13:15 remaining in the middle frame.
The Eagles first power play of the game would set up Nielsen to smash a shot from the slot past goalie Nikke Kokko, tying the game at 2-2 at the 8:57 mark of the second stanza.
Just 2:56 later, forward Gavin Brindley would slice through the right-wing circle and bury a one-timer, giving Colorado a 3-2 advantage, which the Eagles would carry into the second intermission.
Colorado would fend off Coachella Valley in the third period, as Miner stopped all nine shots he faced, helping the Eagles hold on for the 3-2 victory. Colorado finished the night going 1-for-2 on the power play and a perfect 2-for-2 on the penalty kill.
The Eagles will now face the winner of the Central Division Final between the Grand Rapids Griffins and Chicago Wolves.
Tickets for the Western Conference Final will go on sale to the public at 10am MT on Friday, May 22nd. To purchase tickets or for more information, go to ColoradoEagles.com or call or text (970) 686-SHOT (7468).
