The Matchup
The Wranglers have touched down in the desert to face the Coachella Valley Firebirds in the first of a crucial two-game set.
Both teams enter the doubleheader with valuable points on the line.
For Calgary, the focus is on gaining ground in the playoff race, while Coachella Valley is looking to solidify their position in the top half of the Pacific Division standings and secure home-ice advantage for the postseason.
The Wranglers currently sit ninth in the standings with 52 points, five points back of the Henderson Silver Knights, who hold the seventh and final playoff spot.
Calgary heads into the matchup after back-to-back shootout losses to the Abbotsford Canucks on Feb. 27 and Mar. 1.
Despite the tough results, the team used the break to regroup and refocus ahead of the weekend series.
With a few practices under their belt, the Wranglers are ready to get back into game action.
“I thought they had really good energy this week,” said Head Coach Brett Sutter following Thursday’s practice.
“We made some adjustments that I’m looking forward to seeing with these guys, and they really bought in.”
“Every game is a big game for us, and I think they’re excited for the challenge.”
Matvei Gridin is expected to rejoin the lineup Saturday after being reassigned by the Calgary Flames on Friday.
The Wranglers All-Star and rookie has recorded seven points in 18 games with the Flames this season, along with 29 points in 36 games with the Wranglers.
The Other Side
The Firebirds enter the matchup following a 5-1 loss to the Silver Knights on Mar. 4.
Currently sitting fifth in the Pacific Division, Coachella Valley will be looking to climb back into the division’s top four to secure home-ice advantage in the playoffs.
Jagger Firkus leads the Firebirds in scoring with 49 points.
He recorded a point in Coachella Valley’s win over the Bakersfield Condors on Feb. 28 and has totaled nine points in his last 10 games.
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