Coachella Valley Firebirds Beat Bakersfield Condors 3-2 in Shootout

Eduard Šalé delivers game-winning goal in shootout at Acrisure Arena

Published on Mar. 2, 2026

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The Coachella Valley Firebirds battled back from an early 2-0 deficit to defeat the Bakersfield Condors 3-2 in a shootout at Acrisure Arena. Tyson Jugnauth and Jani Nyman scored for the Firebirds in regulation, but Bakersfield tied the game to force overtime. In the shootout, Eduard Šalé delivered the decisive goal to seal the victory for Coachella Valley.

Why it matters

The Firebirds' comeback win showcases their resilience and ability to compete under pressure, which will be crucial as they continue their push for a playoff spot in the competitive AHL Pacific Division.

The details

The Firebirds jumped out to an early 2-0 lead with goals from Tyson Jugnauth and Jani Nyman, but Bakersfield battled back to tie the game and force overtime. After a scoreless extra period, the game went to a shootout, where Eduard Šalé delivered the game-winning goal for Coachella Valley.

  • The game was played on March 1, 2026 at Acrisure Arena.

The players

Tyson Jugnauth

A forward for the Coachella Valley Firebirds who scored one of the team's goals in regulation.

Jani Nyman

A forward for the Coachella Valley Firebirds who scored one of the team's goals in regulation.

Eduard Šalé

A forward for the Coachella Valley Firebirds who scored the game-winning goal in the shootout.

Niklas Kokko

The goaltender for the Coachella Valley Firebirds who made key saves to keep the game within reach.

Derek Laxdal

The head coach of the Coachella Valley Firebirds who praised his team's resilience and composure in the victory.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

What’s next

The Firebirds will look to build on this win when they take on the Henderson Silver Knights on the road on Wednesday night.

The takeaway

The Firebirds' comeback victory showcases their ability to compete under pressure and their resilience, which will be crucial as they continue their push for a playoff spot in the AHL Pacific Division.