Recap: San Diego Gulls vs. Coachella Valley Firebirds, 2.15

The San Diego Gulls secured a hard-fought 5-3 victory over the Coachella Valley Firebirds on Saturday night at Acrisure Arena. The Gulls came out strong in the first period, netting three goals, including a power-play tally from Carson Meyer and a quick strike from Nathan Gaucher. Coachella Valley responded with two power-play goals of their own, keeping the game tight heading into the second period. The Firebirds tied it at 3-3 in the middle frame with a goal from Tucker Robertson, setting up a decisive third period. Just 38 seconds into the final stanza, Judd Caulfield buried the game-winning goal, and Nikita Nesterenko sealed the victory with an empty-netter in the final minutes. Oscar Dansk stood tall in net, stopping 22 shots as the Gulls snapped their four-game skid against Coachella Valley. Gaucher earned first-star honors with a goal and an assist, while Caulfield and Jagger Firkus rounded out the three stars of the night.