Sports
Firebirds playoff push: One win secures home ice as multiple scenarios unfold
The Coachella Valley Firebirds are heading into the final weekend of the regular season with everything on the line.
The Firebirds currently sit in fourth place and need just one win in their final two games to secure home ice for the first round of the Calder Cup playoffs. They’ll face San Diego and Abbotsford as they look to lock in their postseason position.
There’s still room to climb.
If the Firebirds win both games and Henderson loses both, the team could move up to third place. But there’s also a downside scenario—if they drop both games, they could fall as low as sixth.
With multiple playoff scenarios still in play, the final standings will come down to this weekend’s results.
Fans can also gear up for the postseason with a popup party scheduled Tuesday from 4 to 7 p.m. outside Acrisure Arena.
Meanwhile, the College of the Desert men’s baseball team is making history of its own.
After a strong win, COD has clinched a playoff spot and now sits at 29-5—just three wins away from setting a new program record for most wins in a single season.
Luke Barker, John Arias, and Isaac Rodriguez all hit home runs in the latest victory, with Rodriguez recording the first of his collegiate career. On the mound, Matt Wallin earned his 10th win of the season, ranking fifth in the state of California.
With momentum building for both teams, it’s shaping up to be an exciting finish across the Valley sports scene.
Explore: NBCPalmSprings.com, where we are connecting the Valley.
By: NBC Palm Springs
April 17, 2026
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